The chaos of 2020 did not stop Valparaiso and Porter County athletes from dedicating time to their sport, showing 110% effort in every game, and giving fans something to be proud of. Whether it was football, cross country, soccer, track & field, basketball, swimming, cheerleading, dance, wrestling, volleyball, bowling, hockey, gymnastics, golf, tennis, baseball, softball, or anything in between, we captured hundreds of exciting moments at nearly every game.
In no particular order, here are the top 10 sports articles from Valpo.Life in 2020:
Valparaiso, Lake Central High Schools eye sectionals after a season of COVID-19 challenges
Everybody in the Region involved with high school athletics, from the players all the way up to the administrators, knew that this season of football would be different. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, teams had to find ways to keep their players safe, faced last-minute game cancellations, and even sat furloughed for weeks while players quarantined.
GreatNews.Life dominates sports in the Region
1 week. 7 GreatNews.Life reporters. 43 schools across the region. 3 cross country sectionals. 4 football games. 10 girls soccer sectional games. 4 girls soccer sectional championship games. 12 boys soccer sectional games. 4 boys soccer sectional championship games. 5,000 photos. This historical week could not have been done without a team full of dedicated individuals who spent night and day shouting out high school sports all across the Region. You won’t want to miss our staff's favorite teams, moments, and photos of the week.
Valparaiso Vikings take the win over Chesterton Trojans for Patriot Night
The Valparaiso Vikings were proud to welcome the Chesterton Trojans to their annual Patriot Night matchup. The annual game offers a heartfelt tribute to law enforcement officers, firefighters, military members, and all those who serve this great nation, honoring them for their service and sacrifice to our country. This year's Patriot Night celebration - which was scaled back due to COVID-19 safety regulations - was nonetheless filled with enthusiasm and respect for those brave men and women who put their lives on the line for us every day when they put on their uniform.
Long-time rivals Boone Grove and Wheeler go head to head on the football field
It may not be clear how it began, or when it began, but every season there is a whole new level of excitement in the air when the Wheeler Bearcats take on the Boone Grove Wolves.
Valparaiso High School football team receives their rings
On the evening of November 29, 2019, the Valparaiso High School football team made history as they played in the IHSAA State Championship for the first time since 2001. This Friday, the Vikings commemorated that iconic moment as the team received their 2019 state runner-up rings.
Players, coaches weigh in on 2020 high school spring sports predictions
2020 spring sports seasons for high schools around the country will not be played due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some can speculate who would’ve taken the titles around the Region. From the baseball and softball diamonds to the track, here are some thoughts on who would have won the 2020 spring sports and how that lines up for the 2021 seasons.
Region track athletes stay connected during the quarantine
With the 2020 spring semester moved online, student-athletes were faced with the cancellation of the spring sports season. While some may be struggling to find ways to stay connected to their sport, many have found a way. Track athletes are continuing to run, baseball players are hitting off a tee in their backyards, and golfers are practicing putting on their indoor mats. All to continue doing what they love in preparation for their next season.
Brothers and teammates: the drive and heart of Valpo Vikings Mason and Cooper Jones
The competitive clock is ticking 365 days a year for Valpo Vikings boys basketball players Mason Jones and Cooper Jones. They use it to their advantage to pull their team - and each other - forward.
Recapping the 2020 Wrestling Sectionals in the Region
Although all high school sports bring excitement to the GreatNews.Life team, the power and drive showcased by athletes in the sport of wrestling was exceptionally notable this February. GreatNews.Life covered all four sectional championships in the Region, successfully highlighting every team and capturing the raw emotion and pivotal moments from these sectionals.
Unified Sports started as the brainchild of Robert “Beau” Doherty, Special Olympics Connecticut President, and transformed into a global movement that continues to change the lives of students and athletes everywhere. The program was designed to foster an environment of inclusion and brought students with and without intellectual disabilities together to compete collectively in sports. Since its inception, Unified Sports programs across the country have given opportunities to countless students, and one of the most noteworthy programs sits right in our own backyard.