The chaos of 2020 did not stop Portage 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 Portage.Life in 2020:
New Prairie High School hosts Region schools at Cross Country Semi-State
Wheeler High School’s girls’ cross country team made history by placing sixth at New Prairie's semi-state meet, qualifying them for the state competition for the first time in the team’s history.
Portage Pop Warner Team Returns Home As Victors of the Pop Warner Super Bowl
Coached by Derrick Arnett, the Portage Pop Warner 10U Indians football team was undefeated with an impeccable record of 14-0 this season. The team consisted of 21 eight, nine, and ten-year-olds who competed in divisions based on their age/weight ranges (Jr. Pee Wee).
Chestovich takes over Portage Football program with players in mind
Players on the Portage Football team have been on a roller coaster the past year. In 2019, head coach Darren Rodriguez and Portage High School parted ways, and Portage hired Indiana football legend Russ Radtke in February. Shortly thereafter, students were sent home in March due to COVID-19, only to learn a few months later their new coach was resigning.
Casey McKim takes head coaching job at New Prairie High School
Casey McKim has accepted the head football coach position at New Prairie High School. McKim left his most recent role as offensive coordinator at Valparaiso High School to step into his first head coaching gig. He fills the role after the previous coach Russ Radtke took the head coaching job at Portage High School.
#BeTheLight recognizes Portage High School senior athletes
Portage High School hosted the #BeTheLight event this spring to honor the spring athletes who lost their senior sports season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Spring athletes stood socially distanced on the football field and tennis courts while families, friends, teachers, administrators, and community members paraded through the campus in their cars honking and showing gratitude to the 2020 seniors.
Local high school athletes stay active “together” during the quarantine, prepare for future seasons
The National Basketball Association has allowed their teams to send workout equipment to their players to keep them fit throughout the quarantine. However, this is not applicable to high school and college students that are trying to stay fit. Gyms, tracks, and fields are closed, so how are high school and college athletes staying fit both mentally and physically during this tough time?
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.
Russ Radtke brings winning coaching philosophy to Portage High School football program
In Russ Radtke’s office at Portage High School (PHS), he has a digital clock that counts down to the state championship game every year. This is a reminder for him to make each day count for his coaching staff and his team.
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.