Two names hold the significance of royalty in Delaware County.
The first is Ball. As the namesake of the local university and the name of the family who brought jobs to Muncie in the early 20th century, the Balls have given Delaware County’s biggest city a comfortable spot on any United States map.
The second name has a different long-lasting effect in a state that embraces a rich basketball history. They created a new tradition on the same hardwood floor courts that were meant for a ball and a hoop.
Don Shondell never intended to transform the game of volleyball; in fact, he never meant to have any involvement in athletics until one incident changed it all. A factory accident while working in Fort Wayne, Indiana, paved the way for Don and his three sons, Steve, Dave and John, as pioneers of volleyball not just in Muncie, but in the United States. The accomplishments of Don and his three sons have cemented their family name in the legend and lore of Muncie and American volleyball.
Contact Jack Williams with comments at jgwilliams@bsu.edu or on Twitter @jackgwilliams.
Read More
Retired high school teacher holds presentation about history of Berlin Wall
By Emma Matlock / 5 hours agoTom Schwartz, a retired Bluffton High School Teacher, talks about the art on the Berlin Wall on April 15, 2024.
Warm and sunny before evening storms
By Olivia Smithers / 5 hours agoWeather Forecaster Olivia Smithers tracks possible thunderstorm this evening.
Fatal accident along McGalliard Road and Tillotson Avenue
By Staff Reports / 5 hours agoA police chase that began in neighboring Henry County the morning of April 18 ended in Muncie at the McGalliard Road and Tillotson Avenue intersection, according to a press release from the Muncie Police Department (MPD).
