By CARL DENNEY
Special to the Reporter
Last weekend, 32 outstanding young men from across the nation went to the Indiana School for the Deaf (ISD) to participate in the USA Deaf U21 Basketball tryouts at the hallowed Caskey Gymnasium.
There were three former ISD students trying out (Tyler Wascher of Noblesville, Zachary Bippus of Fishers and Rocco Bauer of Westfield). Each proved exemplary on the court, representing the Hoosier Way. Official roster spots will be announced later this week or so.
Under the direction of U21 Head Coach Sekoe White, the weekend went smoothly. Coach White also is a former ISD boys basketball assistant coach and led the Indy Hawks to the 2014 USADB championship where he was voted MVP. His ties to Indiana may have been brief, but his respect for the state and school communities is very strong.
On hand to assist in coaching and administering were Jeremias Valencia, the Director of USA Deaf Basketball, coaches Leonardo Guttierez, Keith Westhoelter (former ISD basketball coach), Dante Paulone of Fishers, Colton Jannusch, Mike Kent, David Hamilton and myself.
I am aware Coach White thanks Moises-Kristina Arteaga, Alex Hall, Seth Joseph Hazelett, Justin Pickering and the amazing Dwight Casler III as well as the Indiana School for the Deaf for their outstanding volunteerism, hospitality and support. I believe the USA Deaf Basketball organization has once again been impressed with our famous Hoosier Hospitality and will consider us for future tryouts/training camps.