Page 26 - The History of Lafayette Area Boys Basketball

Virgil Sweet

High School: Covington (1945) College: Eastern Illinois (1950) Induction: 1987
1. Stand-out basketball player for the Covington Trojans & later returned as an
Assistant Coach at his alma mater.
2. Amassed 342 wins over a 25-year head coaching career, 20 of those years @
Valparaiso H.S.
3. Known throughout the nation for his 20 Step FT Shooting Routine.
4. His 1963-64 Valparaiso team set the national record for team FT % in a season.

Andy Taff

High School: Madison (1943) College: Hanover (1950) Induction: 1993
1. Head Coach @ Clinton Central from 1959-61.
2. 4-year letter winner @ Madison for Ray Eddy.
3. Two-time MVP of Hanover Men’s Basketball Team.
4. Coached for 15 years @ Tell City, Paoli, Knightstown, & Clinton Central.

Evan Thompson

High School: Frankfort (1931) Induction: 1987
1. Earned a state championship ring as a member of 1929 basketball team.
2. Key player for the Hot Dogs’ trips to the state finals in 1930 & 1931.
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3. Selected 1 team All-State in 1930 & 1931.
4. Led Hot Dogs to the North Central Conference title & Big Four Tourney
championship in 1931.
5. Member of landing invasion force at Utah Beach (D-Day).

Lee Thorn

High School: Wingate (1916) College: Wabash (1924) Induction: 1978
1. Earned 9 letters in 3 sports @ Wingate.
2. Member of 1914 State Championship team.
3. Played 4 sports @ Wabash College, earning 16 Varsity letters.
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4. Holds the distinction of being the 1 certified official in basketball, football,
baseball, & track in the state of Indiana.
5. Teacher, coach, & Guidance Counselor in the Warsaw school system for 40 years.

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