
Crawfordsville High School (C.H.S.) has a rich history in basketball, with the school's team, the Athenians, winning the first Indiana high school basketball tournament in 1911. The team defeated Lebanon High School in the final, having beaten Bluffton in the semi-final. Crawfordsville's basketball team was formed in 1900 and was one of the earliest high school basketball teams in Indiana. The school's old gym, opened in 1940, hosted its first game in 30 years in 2023, with the Crawfordsville team taking to the floor once again to a cheering crowd.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year Crawfordsville High School basketball started | 1900 |
| Year Crawfordsville High School won the first Indiana high school basketball tournament | 1911 |
| Opponent in the 1911 final | Lebanon High School |
| Final score in the 1911 final | 42-16 |
| Year of the first varsity game in the old gym | 1940 |
| Opponent in the first varsity game in the old gym | Indianapolis Washington |
| Score in the first varsity game in the old gym | 32-28 |
| Year of the last game in the old gym | 1993 |
| Opponent in the last game in the old gym | Greencastle |
| Score in the last game in the old gym | 75-67 |
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What You'll Learn
- Crawfordsville High School won the first Indiana high school basketball tournament in 1911
- Crawfordsville's basketball team played a varsity game in its old gym for the first time in 30 years
- Crawfordsville's 1911 yearbook mentions Coach Glascock and two of his starters: Clio Shaw and Ben Myers
- Crawfordsville defeated Lebanon High School for the state title in 1911
- Crawfordsville's basketball team was one of the earliest high school basketball teams in Indiana

Crawfordsville High School won the first Indiana high school basketball tournament in 1911
Crawfordsville High School (C.H.S.) won the first Indiana high school basketball tournament in 1911, marking the beginning of one of Indiana's most cherished cultural traditions. The Indiana high school basketball tournament was organized by the Indiana University Booster Club and took place at Indiana University. The tournament included 12 teams, featuring the best records from Indiana's congressional districts. The winner of the tournament would be crowned the state championship, putting an end to the ongoing "state championship" controversy.
During the regular season, Crawfordsville's starting lineup consisted of forwards Carroll Stevenson and Orville Taylor, center Ben Myers, and guards Clio Shaw and Newt Hill. Under the leadership of Coach Dave Glascock, the team achieved an impressive 12-2 record.
In the semi-final game of the tournament, Crawfordsville faced Bluffton. Despite injuries to key Bluffton players, the team put up a valiant effort, but they were no match for Crawfordsville's "tall, husky lads." Crawfordsville dominated the game, leading 21-7 at halftime and ultimately winning with a final score of 42-16.
After their semi-final victory, Crawfordsville advanced to the championship game, where they faced Lebanon High School. Crawfordsville's "Athenians" maintained their momentum, showcasing their skill and determination. Despite some brilliant teamwork and passing by Lebanon, Crawfordsville's defence held strong, and they never allowed Lebanon to get closer than three points throughout the game. Crawfordsville's victory in the championship game secured their place as the first-ever Indiana high school basketball champions.
The impact of Crawfordsville High School's victory extended beyond the basketball court. The team's success not only brought pride to their school and community but also contributed to the growth and popularity of basketball in Indiana.
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Crawfordsville's basketball team played a varsity game in its old gym for the first time in 30 years
Crawfordsville High School's basketball team played a varsity game in its old gym for the first time since the end of the 1993 season—nearly 30 years ago. The gym, which opened in 1940, was closed in 1993 after Crawfordsville lost to Greencastle in overtime. The old gym witnessed Crawfordsville's defeat once again, as they fell to their rival Covington with a score of 58-55.
The game was a nostalgic event for many, including Gary Linn, a retired teacher at Crawfordsville who still teaches three periods of advanced placement history at the high school. Linn, who grew up near the gym, reminisced about his childhood as he walked to the game, feeling like he was 8 years old again. Many fans wore blue-and-yellow letter jackets and shared old memories in the corners of the gym. The gym, with a capacity of 2,300, saw a packed house of 1,600 excited fans, some of whom wore T-shirts commemorating Crawfordsville's 1911 state championship—the first in Indiana high school basketball history.
The Crawfordsville basketball team has a rich history, dating back to the early years of the sport in Indiana. In 1900, Crawfordsville High School (C.H.S.) organized one of the state's earliest high school basketball teams. However, finding high school opponents proved challenging during the nascent years. During the 1901-02 season, they defeated Indianapolis' Shortridge High School, the only other high school team on their schedule, and proclaimed themselves the "championship of the High Schools of Indiana in basketball."
Crawfordsville continued to dominate in the following years, styling themselves as "'state champions' again in 1907 after an undefeated season. By the 1908-09 season, all but two of their opponents were high schools, and they maintained their winning streak against Lebanon High School, solidifying their claim to the title. In 1911, Crawfordsville High School won the first Indiana high school basketball tournament, defeating Lebanon High School for the state title. This victory sparked one of Indiana's most cherished cultural traditions and resolved the "'state championship' controversy" that had surrounded the team.
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Crawfordsville's 1911 yearbook mentions Coach Glascock and two of his starters: Clio Shaw and Ben Myers
Crawfordsville High School's basketball team has a long and proud history, with the school organizing one of the earliest high school basketball teams in Indiana, dating back to 1900. Over a century ago, in 1911, Crawfordsville High School (C.H.S.) made history by winning the first Indiana high school basketball tournament and claiming the state championship title. This victory cemented Crawfordsville's place in the state's basketball tradition.
The 1911 Crawfordsville High School yearbook captures this historic moment, mentioning Coach Glascock and two of his standout players: Clio Shaw and Ben Myers. Coach Dave Glascock played a pivotal role in the team's success, leading them to an impressive 12-2 record during the regular season. Glascock's strategic guidance and motivational coaching style are evident in the team's performance on the court.
Clio Shaw, one of Coach Glascock's starters, held the position of guard. Shaw's defensive skills, in collaboration with fellow guard Newt Hill, were instrumental in keeping their opponents' scores down. Their tight defence and ability to maintain a "continual attack on the basket" contributed significantly to the team's triumph. Shaw's talent and determination were key factors in their championship run.
Ben Myers, another starter mentioned in the yearbook, played the role of centre. Myers was an offensive powerhouse, consistently delivering high-scoring performances. In a game against Walton High School, Myers showcased his speed, agility, and nerve, racking up fifteen points. Myers' offensive prowess played a crucial role in the team's overall success, and he was a key contributor to their championship victory.
The 1911 Crawfordsville High School yearbook stands as a testament to the achievements of Coach Glascock, Clio Shaw, and Ben Myers. Their dedication, talent, and teamwork propelled the basketball team to new heights, solidifying Crawfordsville High School's place in Indiana's basketball history and tradition.
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Crawfordsville defeated Lebanon High School for the state title in 1911
Crawfordsville High School (C.H.S.) and Lebanon High School's basketball rivalry began in 1909-10. The controversy over the "state championship" of 1909-10 created a strong enmity between the neighbouring high schools. The rivalry was born out of a dispute over the title, with Crawfordsville refusing to play a third game after Lebanon had won the first two matches.
In 1911, Crawfordsville High School's basketball team defeated Lebanon High School for the state title in the first-ever Indiana high school basketball tournament. The tournament was organized by the Indiana University Booster Club and included 12 teams with the best records from Indiana's congressional districts. Crawfordsville's victory over Lebanon in the final match ended their three-year run of state championships.
The road to the championship game was not easy for either team. Lebanon began the second round of the tournament against New Albany, triumphing 28-10. They then faced Crawfordsville, who had defeated Walton High School from Cass County 16-0. The first half of the championship game was a close contest, with both teams fighting hard. However, Crawfordsville's "'Athenians" maintained their lead in the second half, and ultimately won the game by a comfortable margin.
The victory for Crawfordsville High School in 1911 marked the beginning of one of Indiana's most cherished cultural traditions and solidified their place in the state's basketball history. The team's success inspired pride and excitement among the community, with many residents donning T-shirts commemorating the achievement even decades later.
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Crawfordsville's basketball team was one of the earliest high school basketball teams in Indiana
Crawfordsville High School (C.H.S.) organized one of the earliest high school basketball teams in Indiana in 1900. However, finding high school opponents in the early years of the sport in Indiana was challenging. During the 1901-02 season, Crawfordsville defeated Indianapolis' Shortridge High School, their only high school opponent. This victory led the C.H.S. team to declare themselves the "championship of the High Schools of Indiana in basketball."
In 1907, C.H.S. again claimed the title of "state champions" after an undefeated season, this time playing against four high school opponents. By the 1908-09 season, all but two of their opponents were high schools, and they maintained their dominance, particularly against Lebanon High School, who they beat twice.
In 1911, Crawfordsville High School participated in the first Indiana high school basketball tournament, organized by the Indiana University Booster Club. The tournament was a 12-team event, including the teams with the best records from Indiana's congressional districts. Crawfordsville, led by Coach Dave Glascock, had a stellar season, finishing with a 12-2 record. They continued their winning streak in the tournament, defeating Bluffton 42-16 in the semi-finals and then claiming the state title by beating Lebanon High School in the final. This victory cemented Crawfordsville's place as one of the earliest and most successful high school basketball teams in Indiana.
Over the years, Crawfordsville's basketball team has produced notable players such as Karl Dickerson, Dick Haslam, Paul "Pat" Malaska, Matt McCarty, Matt Petty, and Robert "Pete" Vaughan. These players have gone on to achieve success at the high school, college, and even professional levels, with several inductees into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.
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Frequently asked questions
Basketball started in Crawfordsville in 1900 when Crawfordsville High School (C.H.S.) organized one of the earliest high school basketball teams in Indiana.
No, the team was unable to find any opponents in the nascent years of the sport in Indiana.
Yes, Crawfordsville High School played and won a game against Indianapolis' Shortridge High School in the 1901-02 season.
Yes, Crawfordsville High School played and won all their games in the 1907 season, including two games against Lebanon High School.
Yes, Crawfordsville High School won the first Indiana high school basketball tournament in 1911.








































