Latest news with #Valparaiso
USA Today
16 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Notre Dame commit Caden Crowell named Indiana Player of the Year
Notre Dame commit Caden Crowell, the No. 2 ranked player in Indiana's Class of 2025, was named Indiana Player of the Year following a spectacular 2025 season. The left-hander was magical on the mound, allowing just two earned runs over 55 innings while recording 97 strikeouts. He walked just 11 batters. Crowell recorded a perfect 6-0 mark with an obscene 0.53 WHIP. He did not allow a single extra-base-hit or any stolen bases the entire spring, holding opponents to a .098 batting average. Ridiculous numbers. The 6-foot-3, 205-pounder, who also plays first base, hit .375 with 14 extra-base hits, including three HRs, three triples and eight doubles. He also had four steals and drove in 24. Crowell, who is one of the top 50 prospects in the country, helped Valparaiso win its first-ever Class 4A state championship. The question now is whether Crowell will make it to South Bend and pitch for the Fighting Irish. It will all depend on how things shake out in the Major League Baseball Draft in July. Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (Formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions. Follow Dave on X: Miller_Dave
Chicago Tribune
a day ago
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Valparaiso's Caden Crowell, the 2025 Post-Tribune Baseball Player of the Year, is in ‘best possible position'
There are variables involved with recent Valparaiso graduate Caden Crowell's next team. But about Crowell's most recent team, which won the Class 4A state championship on June 21, there's no uncertainty in his mind. 'It was special,' Crowell said. 'I've played with a lot of different teams. But if I had to pick one team to play on for the rest of my life, it would be this team.' Behind Crowell, a Notre Dame recruit and Major League Baseball draft prospect, the Vikings made history with their first state title, following their first regional and semistate titles. In the championship game, the 6-foot-3 Crowell tossed a two-hitter with eight strikeouts and two walks in an efficient 85 pitches as the Vikings beat Evansville North 5-0. He also went 4-for-4 with a run-scoring ground-rule double. Crowell, a left-hander who also plays first base, tied the 4A championship game records for fewest hits allowed by a pitcher, set in 2004, and for the most hits by a batter, most recently accomplished in 2001. Crowell, the 2025 Post-Tribune Baseball Player of the Year, closed his stellar career for the Vikings (26-5) by going 9-0 with a 0.25 ERA, allowing only three runs — two earned — and 18 hits in 55 innings. He struck out 97 and walked just 11. He also hit .375 with three homers, 24 RBIs and 32 runs scored. Valparaiso coach Todd Evans said Crowell 'puts himself in the best possible position' through his physical and mental preparation, including working out and studying scouting reports. 'Caden set high goals for himself this year, and he achieved just about every one of them,' Evans said. 'At the beginning of the year, we always meet as a team at my house, and we set individual and team goals. His individual goal was to be Gatorade player of the year. He did not achieve that, unfortunately. But he's going to end up achieving just about every other goal. 'He's a North-South All-Star. … We win a state championship. There's just plenty of other accolades that are going to make his senior year very, very memorable.' Crowell established himself as an impact player when he was a freshman. But he saved his best for last. 'My velo was up from last year, so it's easier to put guys away earlier,' Crowell said. 'But pitching-wise, it was just a confidence level. It was knowing that when I go out there and have my best stuff, there's no one in the country who can touch me. I just go out there and just say, 'Here's my stuff, have at it. If you get a hit, good for you. The next guy's not going to.' 'And just the trust factor of my team behind me, that was huge too. But it was just knowing having the most confidence going into every game and just attacking guys and not pitching around them.' Crowell said he weighed 210 pounds at the beginning of the season, up from 190, but settled in between 200 and 205. He boosted his speed on the bases, his endurance on the mound and the velocity of his fastball. 'I was up to 92 (mph) last year, and I was up to 94 this year,' Crowell said. 'But my tail-end velocity is what really went up. I was sitting 2 to 3 miles an hour harder consistently throughout the whole game, and I could hold my velocity. In the regional championship, I was still up to 93 in the last inning, and that was really good.' Crowell also produced offensively, particularly later in the season. 'Hitting-wise, I started out slow,' he said. 'I was putting so much pressure on myself hitting because I wanted to get my name out there as a two-way and really assert myself as that. Finally, I was like, 'I just need to relax.' I hit like .600 in the postseason and just went off from there. It definitely was just the confidence in the work I put in in the offseason and trusting that.' Where that work takes Crowell, who was committed to Louisville earlier in his high school career, remains to be seen. He's scheduled to report to Notre Dame on Aug. 25. The draft begins July 13. 'We'll see what happens,' he said. 'I've definitely had a lot of teams interested, but it's going to be a tough decision to make. I'll be talking with my family, my people that are in my corner, my support system, just seeing what they all say and seeing what's the best option for me for the long run.' Evans knows Crowell has options. 'At the beginning of the year, that's the time when a lot of scouts are more active because once the college season gets going, it's a little bit more difficult to swing by those high school stadiums,' Evans said. 'But at the end of the year, we're facing Lake Central and Josh Flores is on the mound, and every MLB team is represented. We're facing Logan Cotton against Crown Point the week after, every MLB team is represented. When we're facing Javy Carrera against Boone Grove, every radar gun is up behind the backstop. 'I don't know where his draft status is right now, but it's definitely a possibility. It's definitely something on the radar. If and when that comes to fruition, decisions will have to be made. Obviously, Caden and his dad are well aware of what the process can look like, and they've taken steps to make sure if and when that happens, they're going to be in the best position possible, whether it be academically, athletically at Notre Dame, or playing for a professional baseball team.' Indeed, Crowell can rely on his father, Jim, as a particularly valuable resource. A 1992 Valparaiso graduate, Jim Crowell played at the University of Indianapolis and then spent 13 seasons in professional baseball, including parts of three in the major leagues. 'We've always had a unique bond,' Caden Crowell said. 'Being able to really appreciate him and understand he's made it to the highest level and he's done it with the best, you have to admit dad's right. The high school me wants to be like, 'No, I know what I'm talking about. You don't.' But you trust he knows what he's talking about. 'He's always been someone I've looked up to. He was an undrafted free agent and made his way to the big leagues. That's from hard work and being able to be the best you. He's someone I look up to in all facets of life, just the way he works and how much he cares about me and helped me be the best I can be.' Jim Crowell has been a coach for Caden and some of his teammates for as long as he can remember, including as part of the Vikings' staff, adding to the significance of their state title. 'He's the reason I am where I am today,' Caden Crowell said. 'He's given everything to me. He's helped me become the best me. 'When we were growing up, we had this team with my dad, Triple Crown Lightning, so we've been playing together since we were like 8. This has always been a goal of ours, and without my teammates, without their support and the coaches' support, we would have never gotten to this point. The reason we got to where we are is just because our team went out there and played for each other. There was no one for themselves. It was awesome.'
Indianapolis Star
2 days ago
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Sunsets, sports and suds: See the summer around Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS Ethan Plumier, assistant property manager at Goose Pond, demonstrates how to use a frog gig Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Indiana Department of Natural Resources' annual frog gigging night. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar A bullfrog sits in the water Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Goose Pond in Linton, Indiana. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar The restored Bell Ford Covered Bridge on Geist Greenway in Fishers. Supplied By Hamilton County Parks And Recreation Hole 17, an intimidating Par 3 at Purgatory Golf Club in Noblesville, is nicknamed "Hell's Half Acre." Purgatory Golf Club Charlie Noble and his daughter, Kayla, 17, of Noblesville, listen to instructions Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Indiana Department of Natural Resources' annual frog gigging night. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) walks off the court Sunday, June 22, 2025, after Game 7 of the NBA Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Christine Tannous/IndyStar A fan reacts to the loss Sunday, June 22, 2025, after a watch party at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis for Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Grace Smith/IndyStar Fans cheer at the end of the second quarter Sunday, June 22, 2025, during a watch party at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis for Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Grace Smith/IndyStar Fans wait to enter the arena Sunday, June 22, 2025, before a watch party at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis for Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Grace Smith/IndyStar LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 22: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever steals the ball from Kiah Stokes #41 of the Las Vegas Aces in the first quarter of their game at T-Mobile Arena on June 22, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ethan Miller, Getty Images Lucas Peltier, Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images Valparaiso and Evansville North face off Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Valparaiso Nathan Simpson (6) celebrates Saturday, June 21, 2025, after the team won the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Grace Smith/IndyStar Valparaiso Caden Crowell (7) hoists the trophy Saturday, June 21, 2025, after winning the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Valparaiso and Evansville North face off Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Valparaiso Caden Crowell (7) hugs Valparaiso infielder Drayden Wilcox (9) on Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Valparaiso Trent Gill (2) dives into home plate Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar The Boone Grove Wolves celebrate Saturday, June 21, 2025, after winning the IHSAA class 2A baseball state final in Indianapolis. HG Biggs/IndyStar The Boone Grove Wolves celebrate Saturday, June 21, 2025, after winning the IHSAA class 2A baseball state final in Indianapolis. HG Biggs/IndyStar The Andrean 59ers celebrate winning the class 3A IHSAA baseball state final Friday, June 20, 2025, in Indianapolis. HG Biggs/IndyStar The Indianapolis Lutheran Saints celebrate their victory Friday, June 20, 2025, after the class 1A IHSAA baseball state final in Indianapolis. HG Biggs/IndyStar Indiana Pacers super fan Michael Hopson poses Thursday, June 19, 2025, ahead of Game 6 of the NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Grace Hollars/IndyStar Heritage Christian's Tate LaBrune walks to the next hole Wednesday, June 18, 2025, during the IHSAA boys golf state final at Prairie View Golf Course in Carmel. Grace Hollars/IndyStar A tree branch narrowly missed IndyStar Multimedia Journalist Michelle Pemberton while retrieving cameras from her car on Wed. June 18, 2025, in Indianapolis. 'The siren sounded, no rain or wind yet, so I grabbed my cameras from my car and a large gust of hit, so i started running. I heard a large crack I knew was our large tree, so I kept running.' Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Indianapolis International Airport Fire Department aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles douse the aircraft fire fighting simulator Wednesday, June 18, 2025, during a multi-agency emergency training exercise to evaluate airport emergency operations plans at the Indianapolis International Airport. HG Biggs/IndyStar Emilie Sweet is an interpretive naturalist at Fort Harrison State Park. Photo taken Friday, June 13, 2025. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar Connecticut Sun guard Jacy Sheldon (4) and Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) express frustration with each other Tuesday, June 17, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Fans sit during a timeout Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at a game between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) hangs his hands on the net Monday, June 16, 2025, ahead of Game 5 of the NBA Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) celebrates Saturday, June 14, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the New York Liberty at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the New York Liberty, 102-88. Grace Smith/IndyStar Protesters chant and march on Saturday, June 14, 2025, during a 'No Kings' protest at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Zach Adamson waves a pride flag with fellow protesters on Saturday, June 14, 2025, during a 'No Kings' protest at the Indiana Statehouse in chant and march on Saturday, June 14, 2025, during a 'No Kings' protest at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar A rider on the Pickled Peddler waves to protesters on Saturday, June 14, 2025, during a 'No Kings' protest at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Protesters chant and march on Saturday, June 14, 2025, during a 'No Kings' protest at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Protesters gather Saturday, June 14, 2025, during a 'No Kings' protest at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis. Grace Hollars/IndyStar Parade participants wave from a float Saturday, June 14, 2025, during the Indy Pride Parade in Indianapolis. HG Biggs/IndyStar A parade participant shows off their skills with a flowstar as spectators cheer Saturday, June 14, 2025, during the Indy Pride Parade in Indianapolis. According to Indianapolis Fire Marshall, Deputy Chief Michael Beard, Indy Pride estimated around 30,000 attended the parade. HG Biggs/IndyStar Parade participants block protester's religious signs Saturday, June 14, 2025, during the Indy Pride Parade in Indianapolis. HG Biggs/IndyStar Protesters chant and march on Saturday, June 14, 2025, during a 'No Kings' protest at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar A family watches planes come and go at the Indianapolis International Airport on Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar An adult takes a child on a pretend airplane ride at the Indianapolis International Airport on Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar A fan celebrates Wednesday, June 11, 2025, during Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Former Indiana Pacers player Reggie Miller, with son Ryker, on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, during Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Fans during a timeout Wednesday, June 11, 2025, during Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Indiana Pacers fan Micheal Hopson watches warms up ahead of Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar A graphic is displayed on the JW Marriott on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, ahead of Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) throws the ball Tuesday, June 10, 2025, during NFL Colts mandatory mini camp at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis. Grace Hollars/IndyStar Indianapolis Colts players gather together Tuesday, June 10, 2025, during NFL Colts mandatory mini camp at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis. Grace Hollars/IndyStar IndyStar Environmental Reporters, Sophie Hartley and Karl Schneider, visit Belmont Beach and it's deadly low head dam on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Lauren Roberts is removed from the City Council building by sheriff's deputies Monday, June 9, 2025, during a City-County Council meeting in Indianapolis. Roberts flew to Indianapolis to address the council members regarding the Hogsett administration's handling of the alleged abuse against her by top Hogsett aide Thomas Cook. Council President Vop Osili ordered a sheriff's deputy to escort Roberts out of the council chambers when she refused to stop talking. HG Biggs/IndyStar Brianna Dines holds a sign calling for Mayor Joe Hogsett's resignation Monday, June 9, 2025, during a City-County Council meeting in Indianapolis. HG Biggs/IndyStar South Bend Washington's Adriana Swanson (left) and Pike's Jai Brown race in the 100 meter hurdles Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the IHSAA annual girls state track and field finals in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Carmel's Emily Norris grabs the baton from Carmel's Rebecca Belanger in the 4x100 meter relay Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the IHSAA annual girls state track and field finals in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Indiana All_Star Julius Kirby shoots the ball Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the Indiana vs. Kentucky All-Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Grace Hollars/IndyStar Indiana All-Star Tre Singleton (10) rushes up the court Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the Indiana vs. Kentucky All-Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Grace Hollars/IndyStar Indiana All-Star and Mr. Basketball Braylon Mullins (1) goes for the ball Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the Indiana vs. Kentucky All-Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Grace Hollars/IndyStar Indiana All-Star and Miss Basketball Maya Makalusky (1) smiles for a photo with Indiana All-Star and Mr. Basketball Braylon Mullins on Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the Indiana vs. Kentucky All-Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Grace Hollars/IndyStar Northview's Karsyn Buck competes in the high jump Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the IHSAA annual girls state track and field finals in Indianapolis. Buck placed second in the event. HG Biggs/IndyStar Mishawaka's Tinayja Summers competes in the long jump Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the IHSAA annual girls state track and field finals in Indianapolis. HG Biggs/IndyStar Carmel's Emily Norris competes in the long jump Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the IHSAA annual girls state track and field finals in Indianapolis. HG Biggs/IndyStar Indiana All-Star Jaylah Lampley (2) rushes up the court Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the Indiana vs. Kentucky All-Star gameat Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Grace Hollars/IndyStar Kentucky All-Star and Miss Basketball ZaKiyah Johnson (1) shoots the ball for a three point basket Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the Indiana vs. Kentucky All-Star gameat Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Grace Hollars/IndyStar Indiana All-Star Brooke Winchester (11) reaches for a loose ball Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the Indiana vs. Kentucky All-Star gameat Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Grace Hollars/IndyStar Jasper High School players celebrate the win of their number one doubles team during an IHSAA Girls' Tennis State Championship Tournament against Brebeuf Jesuit High School, Saturday, June 7, 2025, at North Central High School. Doug McSchooler/for IndyStar Brebeuf Jesuit High School junior Chloe Wendowski during an IHSAA Girls' Tennis State Championship Tournament match against Jasper High School, Saturday, June 7, 2025, at North Central High School. Doug McSchooler/for IndyStar Indiana All-Star and Miss Basketball Maya Makalusky shoots the ball against Kentucky All-Star Kenleigh Woods on Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the Indiana vs. Kentucky All-Star gameat Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Grace Hollars/IndyStar Athletes run in the 3200 meter relay Friday, June 6, 2025, during the IHSAA annual boys state track and field finals in Indianapolis. HG Biggs/IndyStar LaPorte's and Landyn Hunt embrace Friday, June 6, 2025, after competing in the 3200 meter relay during the IHSAA annual boys state track and field finals in Indianapolis. HG Biggs/IndyStar Goshen's Daniel Kinsey competes in the long jump Friday, June 6, 2025, during the IHSAA annual boys state track and field finals in Indianapolis. HG Biggs/IndyStar The Overgrown Pasture serves attendees Friday, June 6, 2025, during History on Tap, a beer festival featuring local beverages and restaurants, at Conner Prairie in Fishers. Grace Smith/IndyStar Sarah Withrow bakes laugenbrezel, German soft pretzels, on Friday, June 6, 2025, during History on Tap, a beer festival featuring local beverages and restaurants, at Conner Prairie in Fishers. Grace Smith/IndyStar
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Democratic leaders share vision for party's future in Valparaiso town hall
State and Porter County leaders discussed the future of the state and national Democratic Party during a town hall Saturday at the Laborers' Local 81 in Valparaiso. The town hall was led by Indiana Democratic Party Chairwoman Karen Tallian, State Sen. Rodney Pol, D-Chesterton, State Rep. Chuck Moseley, D-Portage, and Center Township Trustee Jesse Harper. About 45 people attended the meeting, and a handful of them submitted questions on note cards about the future of the Democratic Party in the upcoming midterm elections, voter turnout, party messaging and engaging younger people to run for office. While a lot of people are mad about the current national political landscape, Harper said an equal amount of people are mad at the Democratic Party. 'They are angry and mad at the Democratic Party. We have to take responsibility for our losses. We have to figure out what happened,' Harper said. 'Everything you're concerned about, I'm going to tell you right now it doesn't mean a damn thing. The reason it doesn't mean a damn thing is because we can't do anything about it because we don't have the votes. The only way we get those votes is by getting Democrats elected.' For the midterm elections, Tallian said the state party has been reaching out to all the county chairs, holding town hall meetings and creating a program to focus on candidate recruitment. 'This year, we're in an off year, we need to build and to recruit candidates,' Tallian said. 'We've got 92 counties, and every one of them has down ballot elections. We have township advisory boards, we have county councils, and now we have school boards. All of these down ballot positions need to get filled.' Every precinct committee person also needs to help with voter registration and canvassing, Tallian said. In 2024, 330,000 Hoosiers registered as Democrats but did not vote, she said. 'One of the things we're trying to do this year is to canvas neighborhoods for those people and find out why,' Tallian said. 'We need to get that done this year so that people can be ready for the elections in 2026.' For Democrats to win in Center Township, Porter County and in Indiana, Harper said Democratic candidates need to secure Republican votes. 'It's not this elusive Independent vote … you've got to get Republican votes,' Harper said. 'The way to do that is you are the adult in the room and you talk about issues that people are scared about.' For example, Harper said health care cuts impact the elderly, children and people with disabilities, which is 'a bipartisan issue' that also allows Democrats to be 'the adults in the room.' One of the questions raised concerns about 'watering down' Democratic values to get Republican votes versus 'doubling down' on Democratic issues to encourage more Democrats to vote. If the party were to double down on Democratic issues, 'there aren't enough Democrats' in Indiana to vote on those issues, Harper said. 'It's a question of mathematics,' Harper said. 'We have to decide what our Democratic messaging is, when we use it and how we use it. I think we can have a strong Democratic message.' When it comes to messaging, Moseley said property taxes, future economic stability and health care are major issues that the Democratic Party can focus on. 'People want to vote for something, not just always against something,' Moseley said. Another important issue in Northwest Indiana is the environment, as it's located near Lake Michigan and environmental protections are rolled back, Pol said. Pol said public education is also an important issue the party could focus on because public education in Indiana has been experiencing a 'death by 1,000 cuts' with each passing legislative session. The state's voucher program allows wealthy families to receive a discount for sending their children to private schools, while public education has been eroding through various pieces of legislation, he said. 'It's the funding of defunding public education, is what it is. We'll give you money to send your kids to a private school, so you don't send your money to a public school,' Pol said. As she talks to people at town halls throughout the state, Tallian said the themes she's heard people should focus on are the economy, 'Big Brother' and stability. Under 'Big Brother,' Tallian said Republican Party leaders 'at the state and federal level are telling us what to think, they're telling us what our universities can do and they're cutting who can go to which schools.' 'The 'Big Brother' aspect of what's going on in this country is, to me, one of the scariest things going on right now,' Tallian said. When it comes to stability, Tallian described the constant switch between tariffs being on and off and chaos caused by the deportation methods under President Donald Trump's administration. 'Things keep moving every day in Washington and you can't keep track of anything,' Tallian said. 'We want to have stability.' When it comes to engaging younger people, Tallian, a former state senator, said Pol took over her seat and he's younger than her youngest child. The party needs to 'build a bench,' Tallian said. 'The bench can't just be people who want to burn everything down and start over. We've seen the burn down, start over (with) DOGE,' Tallian said, referencing Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency. Indiana's Democratic Party leaders at the county level range in age from 22 to 82, Tallian said, and she wouldn't 'throw out anyone' because they are either too young or too old. 'But building the bench is something that we absolutely need to do, and I'm encouraging that every single place I can,' Tallian said. Pol said when he first joined the Senate he was 37 years old and he was the youngest senator at the time. Pol said he's now 41 years old and he's still the youngest Senator. 'I think that's criminal because there are younger people who are much smarter than I. There are younger people who have a voice that needs to be heard,' Pol said. Pol encouraged young people to get involved in political groups and organizations to have their voices heard and engage in the process. Moseley said anyone coming to town halls or other political events should bring a younger person they know to the event to educate them on the process. 'It's up to us to let them know, 'Hey, you are welcome,'' Moseley said. Tallian has come under fire after an IndyStar opinion piece written by Elise Shrock, sharing her story of being dragged out by sheriff's deputies from an Indianapolis City-County Council meeting earlier this month for seeking accountability for survivors of sexual assault. Shrock shared her disappointment with the state Democratic Party's silence on the issue. In response to a question about the situation Saturday, Tallian said it's 'partially an Indianapolis problem.' Referencing her written statement issued after the op-ed was published, Tallian said just days apart, she saw U.S. Senator Alex Padilla from California shoved to the ground and handcuffed at a news conference in Los Angeles, and in Indianapolis, multiple women were shoved out of a public meeting. 'Forcibly removing people from a public meeting is not the way that we fix our problems in this country,' Tallian said. akukulka@
Indianapolis Star
6 days ago
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Valparaiso vs Evansville North in Class 4A baseball state championship
HIGH SCHOOL Grace Smith/IndyStar Grace Smith/IndyStar Grace Smith/IndyStar Valparaiso fans cheer Saturday, June 21, 2025, after winning the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Valparaiso Nathan Simpson (6) celebrates Saturday, June 21, 2025, after the team won the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Grace Smith/IndyStar Evansville North holds the second plate trophy Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Fans lose a shoe on the field Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Valparaiso and Evansville North face off Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Valparaiso Trent Gill (2) dives into home plate Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Valparaiso Caden Crowell (7) hoists the trophy Saturday, June 21, 2025, after winning the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Fans watch the action Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Evansville North infielder Jake Wilke (11) throws the ball Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar A fan celebrates grabbing a foul ball Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Valparaiso Matthew Civanich (8) runs toward first as Evansville North Conner Watson (17) attempts to catch the ball Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Evansville North infielder Gideon Rice (12) smiles toward the crowd Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar A bird sits on the netting rope Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Valparaiso Dennis Malloy (10) celebrates Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Valparaiso Trent Gill (2) celebrates in the dugout Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Valparaiso and Evansville North face off Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Valparaiso Trevor Fenters (12) smiles in the dugout Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar A Valparaiso fan cheers Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Valparaiso infielder Drayden Wilcox (9) hits the ball Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Valparaiso celebrates Saturday, June 21, 2025, after winning the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Valparaiso Caden Crowell (7) hoists the trophy Saturday, June 21, 2025, after winning the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Evansville North Tyler Land (2) throws the ball Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Fans watch the action Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Grace Smith/IndyStar Valparaiso cheers on their teammate Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar Evansville North AJ Baggett (27) catches the ball Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0. Grace Smith/IndyStar
