Being a member of the LGBTQ+ community comes with peaks and valleys, especially for these former Ball State athletes and staff.
12 people from the past and present reflect on their memories of the historic Muncie Fieldhouse. Nearing its 100th birthday, the Muncie Fieldhouse continues to be celebrated by community members, alumni and current players or staff.
Complete with another QB1 competition, the transfer portal causing confusion, losses and gains, and new-look offenses and defenses, Ball State football's 2024 spring game felt like the introduction of a new era for the Cardinals after a 4-8 2023 season.
This will likely be my last week ever covering this program, but no matter where I am, this group will always have my support due to a deep personal connection that spans across professional boundaries.
Whether it's the trio of Sydney Bolden, Hailey Smith and Olivia Smith or assistant athletic trainer Brad Bunten, Ball State women's basketball can always count on energy from its bench. Head coach Brady Sallee said this enthusiasm fosters wins, in which the Cardinals have 28.
Ball State men’s basketball failed to reach the MAC Tournament for the first time since its inception. The Cardinals finished ninth place in the Mid-American Conference with a below .500 record.
The No. 2 seeded Cardinals’ (16-2 MAC) first round contest is set for approximately 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, against No. 7 seed Ohio (11-18, 8-10 MAC) in the third contest of the day.
The Cardinals (15-16, 7-11 MAC) failed to give themselves a chance at earning the No. 8 seed in the upcoming MAC Tournament with a 80-70 loss to Bowling Green (19-12, 10-8 MAC) in Ohio. In addition to Ball State's loss, Western Michigan (12-19, 9-9 MAC) defeated Akron (21-10, 13-5 MAC) 90-84 in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
The Cardinals (15-15, 7-10 MAC), without leading scorer Basheer Jihad, won 76-69 against Kent State (15-15, 8-9 MAC) Ball State has its final game of the season Friday, March 8, when the Cardinals travel to Bowling Green, Ohio, to take on the Falcons (18-12, 9-8 MAC) at 7 p.m.
Eight banners hang above the Muncie Fieldhouse commemorating the Bearcats' state championships in boys' basketball, as pictured Sunday, April 7. Muncie Southside's 2001 state championship banner is also hung. Kyle Smedley, DN
A jersey formerly worn by Muncie Central boys' basketball alumni Rick Jones is showcased at the memorabilia room in the Muncie Fieldhouse March 25. Jones won the 1962-63 Indiana Mr. Basketball award and was named an Indiana All-Star. Kyle Smedley, DN
A jersey formerly worn by Muncie Central boys' basketball alumni Ray McCallum is framed in the memorabilia room at the Muncie Fieldhouse March 25. McCallum was a starter for Muncie Central's 1978 and 1979 state championship teams. Kyle Smedley, DN
A blueprint of the Muncie Fieldhouse's interior is showcased in the memorabilia room at the Muncie Fieldhouse March 25. The Muncie Fieldhouse has a capacity of more than 7,000. Kyle Smedley, DN
A sign showcasing the history of Muncie Central boys' basketball hangs in the memorabilia room of the Muncie Fieldhouse March 25. Below the sign is a small case filled with artifacts from Muncie Central alumni Jack Moore. Kyle Smedley, DN
A glass case in the Muncie Fieldhouse memorabilia room showcases an array of artifiacts from the 1960s, '70s and '90s March 25. The center piece claims Muncie, Ind., to be the basketball capital of Indiana. Kyle Smedley, DN
A trophy case with three boys' basketball state championship trophies is displayed outside the Muncie Fieldhouse Sunday, April 7. The Bearcats have won eight state championships, all between the 1920s and 1980s. Kyle Smedley, DN
The south entrance to the Muncie Fieldhouse pays homage to the history of the venue, as pictured Sunday, April 7. The Muncie Fieldhouse held its first game in 1928. Kyle Smedley, DN
Muncie Central's mascot, the Bearcat, is featured center court at the Muncie Fieldhouse, Sunday, April 7. The court is named "Bill Harrell Court", named after the Bearcats' state championship-winning coach in the 1970s, '80s and '90s. Kyle Smedley, DN
Old signs promoting the Muncie Fieldhouse's rules concerning smoking and seating area etiquette hang in a tunnel Sunday, April 7. The Muncie Fieldhouse is 96 years old. Kyle Smedley, DN
