The Hoosier Gym (1921-Present Day)
In 1985, the movie Hoosiers was filmed in the gym and brought new life to the nearly 100 year old structure. Before the Knightstown Gym became The Hoosier Gym, Home of the Hickory Huskers, it served the community for 64 years.
Originally, Knightstown began playing basketball on the third floor of the Knightstown Academy Building. One of the requirements of playing on that court was playing around two posts one on each end of the court. Obviously, those were not ideal conditions to play the game. The citizens of Knightstown decided it was time to find a new home for the then Knightstown Falcons. That new home was above Jolly Drug Store in the downtown area. This was less than ideal as attendance quickly outgrew the drug store attic. It was time to find a more permanent solution.
Community leaders formed a group of investors to raise money for a new gymnasium. They successfully achieved their goal and on November 25th, 1921, the Sulphur Springs Blue Birds played the Knightstown Falcons in the first ever game held in the gym. The Gym stands today much like it looked in 1921, as a testament to their foresight.
However, the testament to those developers of the Gym, would not be here today were it not for the single minded determination of one special lady. Prior to the filming of Hoosiers, a gym in Waveland Indiana was supposed to be the home gym of the Hickory Huskers. That special lady, Peg Mayhill, was determined that the Knightstown gym should be the home of the Huskers. She had multiple reasons, her husband Tom was the Editor of the Knightstown Bannerand had attended almost every game played by Knightstown in the gym from 1947 through that final game in 1966. Her son played on the final KHS team that played in the gym, and her daughters had been cheerleaders there as well. For her it had to be filmed in Knightstown, where she had spent so many hours watching games. She was successful in her quest. Had it not been for her efforts, the Hoosier Gym would surely be a parking lot for the Academy Building Apartments next door.
Today the Knightstown Gym is now The Hoosier Gym & Museum and is visited by an average of over 60,000 visitors per year. It has been visited by individuals from 70 countries, and every state of the union many times over. First and foremost it remains a basketball gym. Each season the gym hosts over 100 games with the majority of those being between high school teams. All of those high school games are from the schools regular schedule and are not exhibitions. Teams from Mississippi, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois, Michigan and of course, the hotbed of high school basketball, Indiana have all played here.The Gym also hosts Indiana's best high school basketball players in the annual Hoosier Classic.
Visitors keep coming to mark an item off of their buck list. It has become more difficult to schedule games as more team want to play than there are dates. As you read this, if you have not visited, do so. If you have visited, come again.
Below are archived newspaper, website, and magazine articles that have been gathered by Hoosier Gym volunteers and actors of the movie Hoosiers. For the full Hoosier Gym historical experience please visit the Gym in person.
Go Hickory!
Originally, Knightstown began playing basketball on the third floor of the Knightstown Academy Building. One of the requirements of playing on that court was playing around two posts one on each end of the court. Obviously, those were not ideal conditions to play the game. The citizens of Knightstown decided it was time to find a new home for the then Knightstown Falcons. That new home was above Jolly Drug Store in the downtown area. This was less than ideal as attendance quickly outgrew the drug store attic. It was time to find a more permanent solution.
Community leaders formed a group of investors to raise money for a new gymnasium. They successfully achieved their goal and on November 25th, 1921, the Sulphur Springs Blue Birds played the Knightstown Falcons in the first ever game held in the gym. The Gym stands today much like it looked in 1921, as a testament to their foresight.
However, the testament to those developers of the Gym, would not be here today were it not for the single minded determination of one special lady. Prior to the filming of Hoosiers, a gym in Waveland Indiana was supposed to be the home gym of the Hickory Huskers. That special lady, Peg Mayhill, was determined that the Knightstown gym should be the home of the Huskers. She had multiple reasons, her husband Tom was the Editor of the Knightstown Bannerand had attended almost every game played by Knightstown in the gym from 1947 through that final game in 1966. Her son played on the final KHS team that played in the gym, and her daughters had been cheerleaders there as well. For her it had to be filmed in Knightstown, where she had spent so many hours watching games. She was successful in her quest. Had it not been for her efforts, the Hoosier Gym would surely be a parking lot for the Academy Building Apartments next door.
Today the Knightstown Gym is now The Hoosier Gym & Museum and is visited by an average of over 60,000 visitors per year. It has been visited by individuals from 70 countries, and every state of the union many times over. First and foremost it remains a basketball gym. Each season the gym hosts over 100 games with the majority of those being between high school teams. All of those high school games are from the schools regular schedule and are not exhibitions. Teams from Mississippi, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois, Michigan and of course, the hotbed of high school basketball, Indiana have all played here.The Gym also hosts Indiana's best high school basketball players in the annual Hoosier Classic.
Visitors keep coming to mark an item off of their buck list. It has become more difficult to schedule games as more team want to play than there are dates. As you read this, if you have not visited, do so. If you have visited, come again.
Below are archived newspaper, website, and magazine articles that have been gathered by Hoosier Gym volunteers and actors of the movie Hoosiers. For the full Hoosier Gym historical experience please visit the Gym in person.
Go Hickory!
"The Boys of Hoosiers" article in Indianapolis Magazine, January 1986, by Mary Beth Moster
- Original copy owned by Lisa Smith-Mathews, who played a Cheerleader in the movie Hoosiers. Thank you, Lisa, for your help in sharing the Gym's history.
Hoosiers World Premiere, Program, Indianapolis Circle Theatre, November 10, 1986
- Original copy owned by Lisa Smith-Mathews, who played a Cheerleader in the movie Hoosiers. Thank you, Lisa, for your help in sharing the Gym's history.
| the_world_premiere_pdf |
Newspaper Articles
- Original copy owned by Lisa Smith-Mathews, who played a Cheerleader in the movie Hoosiers. Thank you, Lisa, for your help in sharing the Gym's history.
Photo Album
- Owned by Lisa Smith-Mathews, who played a Cheerleader in the movie Hoosiers. Thank you, Lisa, for your help in sharing the Gym's history.
Cheers from the Movie
- Owned by Lisa Smith-Mathews, who played a Cheerleader in the movie Hoosiers. Thank you, Lisa, for your help in sharing the Gym's history.
Features on The Hoosier Gym
Great column by Gregg Doyel IndyStar on Hoosiers Reunion All-Star Classic and Dean Tate https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/columnists/gregg-doyel/2018/06/01/doyel-romeo-and-phinisee-hoosiers-gym-whats-up-dean-tate/664371002/
IndyStar report on the 13th Hoosiers Reunion Allstar Classic
www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2018/06/01/deandre-gholston-and-carmels-tomi-taiwo-lead-hickory-victories/651778002/
Terry Pluto Talking the ‘Hoosiers’: https://m.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=6bSKwRAFd1I
Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg unplugged and going all in on the movie ‘Hoosiers’ by Joe Cowley: https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/bulls-coach-fred-hoiberg-unplugged-and-going-all-in-on-the-movie-hoosiers/
Hoosier Gym/Terry Pluto/ Cleveland Plain Dealer http://plaindealer.oh.newsmemory.com/?selDate=20180427&editionStart=West&goTo=B08
Evaluating Players for The Hoosiers Reunion Classic Games 2018 www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/recruiting-central/2018/04/03/rosters-set-saturdays-north-south-all-star-classic/481832002/
Hoosier Reunion Classic Star and Notre Dame witn NCAA Championship www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-women/article/2018-04-01/notre-dame-pushes-past-mississippi-state-buzzer-beater-win
Glen Robinson III on wearing the Hickory Uniform https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNcizwq27Ds
Corinne Denari Casey She lived the Milan Miracle State Basketball Championship corrine_denari_casey.pdf
Hallowed Ground: Knightstown Gym by Patty Spitler: https://youtu.be/d-EWm7dVn7Y
BizVoice Story on Basketball Road Trip by Tom Schuman: www.bizvoicemagazine.com/media/archives/18janfeb/HoopsHeaven.pdf
Fox Sports Indiana, Basketball Day in Indiana: https://youtu.be/o-vBzhbTlOg
Trip Advisor on The Hoosier Gym
www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g37231-d2369729-Reviews-Hoosier_Gym-Knightstown_Indiana.html
Indiana Daily Student Reports on Efforts to Save Milan Films
www.idsnews.com/article/2018/02/enthoosiers021218-5a8275286ebb7
Greenfield Reporter on Eastern Hancock vs Knightstown wresting http://www.greenfieldreporter.com/2018/01/10/01102018dr_eastern_hancock_vs_knightstown_wrestling/
Injured Senior Gets Chance to Play In The Hoosier Gym
duboiscountyherald.com/b/seniors-surprise-entrance-caps-ranger-victory-2
Woodmen, Cougars win at Historic Hoosier Gym by Ryan O'Leary: www.dailyjournal.net/2017/12/29/12292017dj_greenwood_gca_gbb/
Greenwood Christian, Greenwood Girls To Play In Hoosier Gym Doubleheader by Mike Beas: www.dailyjournal.net/2017/12/26/hoosiers_gym_feature__dec_26/
History Of The Hoosier Gym video: https://youtu.be/WD_auTkJ7yk
Alexandria Monroe vs Blackford, a sold out barn burner: https://www.facebook.com/thehoosiergym/videos/10155417729482261/
Capturing Hoosier Hysteria, video by Taylor: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8q0cSsu5i0E
Shooting hoops in the "Hoosiers" gym by Joe Buscaglia: http://www.wkbw.com/news/shooting-hoops-in-the-hoosiers-gym
The Hoosier Gym: Photos and Some History: https://news-banner.com/2017/12/the-hoosier-gym-photos-and-some-history/
Highland Visits Hoosier Gym 1/28/17 by Tom Brankin: https://youtu.be/Xz--NRHxyJU
Dugger Union, A Trip To The “Hoosier Gym”, Where The Past Meets The Present: https://statelinesportsnetwork.net/2017/12/05/dugger-union-a-trip-to-the-hoosier-gym-where-the-past-meets-present/
Hoosier Gym filled with history about "Hoosiers” by B.J. Hargis: http://www.sullivan-times.com/sports/article/id/24745
Dugger boys and girls experience Hoosier Hysteria the way it used to be by Terry Schwinghammer: http://www.gcdailyworld.com/story/2465829.html
Tour Caddies Scrimmage At The Hoosier Gym video: https://mobile.twitter.com/_/status/773294766733692928
PGA Tour players, caddies shoot hoops at legendary Hoosier Gym by Adam Schupak: http://golfweek.com/2016/09/07/pga-tour-players-caddies-shoot-hoops-hoosier-gym/
Shooting hoops in the “Hoosiers” gym, WKBW TV: https://youtu.be/DIYFSuJcdCI
'Hoosier' basketball site is what game is all about, David Novak: https://www.thegazette.com/subject/sports/hoosier-basketball-site-is-what-game-is-all-about-20200207
'Hoosiers' director, writer surprise visiting Spanish super fan after IndyStar story: www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2019/08/12/angelo-pizzo-david-anspaugh-surprise-hoosiers-superfan-knighstown-indystar/1985502001/
Journey Indiana Episode 101: https://indianapublicmedia.org/journeyindiana/episode-101.php
(Hoosier Gym starts at 8:39)
Speaker at Hoosier Gym Coaches Clinic https://athletics.uindy.edu/news/2018/11/26/mens-basketball-gouard-tabbed-national-coach-of-the-week-by-hoopdirt-com.aspx
Sam Chase Hall of Fame http://www.hoopshall.com/news/2018/11/27/general/58th-men-s-induction-class-announced/
The Indianapolis Star: Sam Chase one of the best to ever play in what is now The Hoosier Gym https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/2018/11/08/real-hoosiers-star-14-he-led-knightstown-sectional-title/1845096002/
IndyStar report on the 13th Hoosiers Reunion Allstar Classic
www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2018/06/01/deandre-gholston-and-carmels-tomi-taiwo-lead-hickory-victories/651778002/
Terry Pluto Talking the ‘Hoosiers’: https://m.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=6bSKwRAFd1I
Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg unplugged and going all in on the movie ‘Hoosiers’ by Joe Cowley: https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/bulls-coach-fred-hoiberg-unplugged-and-going-all-in-on-the-movie-hoosiers/
Hoosier Gym/Terry Pluto/ Cleveland Plain Dealer http://plaindealer.oh.newsmemory.com/?selDate=20180427&editionStart=West&goTo=B08
Evaluating Players for The Hoosiers Reunion Classic Games 2018 www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/recruiting-central/2018/04/03/rosters-set-saturdays-north-south-all-star-classic/481832002/
Hoosier Reunion Classic Star and Notre Dame witn NCAA Championship www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-women/article/2018-04-01/notre-dame-pushes-past-mississippi-state-buzzer-beater-win
Glen Robinson III on wearing the Hickory Uniform https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNcizwq27Ds
Corinne Denari Casey She lived the Milan Miracle State Basketball Championship corrine_denari_casey.pdf
Hallowed Ground: Knightstown Gym by Patty Spitler: https://youtu.be/d-EWm7dVn7Y
BizVoice Story on Basketball Road Trip by Tom Schuman: www.bizvoicemagazine.com/media/archives/18janfeb/HoopsHeaven.pdf
Fox Sports Indiana, Basketball Day in Indiana: https://youtu.be/o-vBzhbTlOg
Trip Advisor on The Hoosier Gym
www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g37231-d2369729-Reviews-Hoosier_Gym-Knightstown_Indiana.html
Indiana Daily Student Reports on Efforts to Save Milan Films
www.idsnews.com/article/2018/02/enthoosiers021218-5a8275286ebb7
Greenfield Reporter on Eastern Hancock vs Knightstown wresting http://www.greenfieldreporter.com/2018/01/10/01102018dr_eastern_hancock_vs_knightstown_wrestling/
Injured Senior Gets Chance to Play In The Hoosier Gym
duboiscountyherald.com/b/seniors-surprise-entrance-caps-ranger-victory-2
Woodmen, Cougars win at Historic Hoosier Gym by Ryan O'Leary: www.dailyjournal.net/2017/12/29/12292017dj_greenwood_gca_gbb/
Greenwood Christian, Greenwood Girls To Play In Hoosier Gym Doubleheader by Mike Beas: www.dailyjournal.net/2017/12/26/hoosiers_gym_feature__dec_26/
History Of The Hoosier Gym video: https://youtu.be/WD_auTkJ7yk
Alexandria Monroe vs Blackford, a sold out barn burner: https://www.facebook.com/thehoosiergym/videos/10155417729482261/
Capturing Hoosier Hysteria, video by Taylor: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8q0cSsu5i0E
Shooting hoops in the "Hoosiers" gym by Joe Buscaglia: http://www.wkbw.com/news/shooting-hoops-in-the-hoosiers-gym
The Hoosier Gym: Photos and Some History: https://news-banner.com/2017/12/the-hoosier-gym-photos-and-some-history/
Highland Visits Hoosier Gym 1/28/17 by Tom Brankin: https://youtu.be/Xz--NRHxyJU
Dugger Union, A Trip To The “Hoosier Gym”, Where The Past Meets The Present: https://statelinesportsnetwork.net/2017/12/05/dugger-union-a-trip-to-the-hoosier-gym-where-the-past-meets-present/
Hoosier Gym filled with history about "Hoosiers” by B.J. Hargis: http://www.sullivan-times.com/sports/article/id/24745
Dugger boys and girls experience Hoosier Hysteria the way it used to be by Terry Schwinghammer: http://www.gcdailyworld.com/story/2465829.html
Tour Caddies Scrimmage At The Hoosier Gym video: https://mobile.twitter.com/_/status/773294766733692928
PGA Tour players, caddies shoot hoops at legendary Hoosier Gym by Adam Schupak: http://golfweek.com/2016/09/07/pga-tour-players-caddies-shoot-hoops-hoosier-gym/
Shooting hoops in the “Hoosiers” gym, WKBW TV: https://youtu.be/DIYFSuJcdCI
'Hoosier' basketball site is what game is all about, David Novak: https://www.thegazette.com/subject/sports/hoosier-basketball-site-is-what-game-is-all-about-20200207
'Hoosiers' director, writer surprise visiting Spanish super fan after IndyStar story: www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2019/08/12/angelo-pizzo-david-anspaugh-surprise-hoosiers-superfan-knighstown-indystar/1985502001/
Journey Indiana Episode 101: https://indianapublicmedia.org/journeyindiana/episode-101.php
(Hoosier Gym starts at 8:39)
Speaker at Hoosier Gym Coaches Clinic https://athletics.uindy.edu/news/2018/11/26/mens-basketball-gouard-tabbed-national-coach-of-the-week-by-hoopdirt-com.aspx
Sam Chase Hall of Fame http://www.hoopshall.com/news/2018/11/27/general/58th-men-s-induction-class-announced/
The Indianapolis Star: Sam Chase one of the best to ever play in what is now The Hoosier Gym https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/2018/11/08/real-hoosiers-star-14-he-led-knightstown-sectional-title/1845096002/
Hoosier Gym Needing Roof Repairs (2018)
Movie Home of The Hickory Huskers Needs Repairs
www.wishtv.com/news/local-news/gym-from-the-movie-hoosiers-needing-major-repairs/1295497586
Hoosier Gym In Grant Process for Needed Repairs
www.wthr.com/article/public-meeting-input-could-help-hoosier-gym-win-grant-repairs
www.wishtv.com/news/local-news/gym-from-the-movie-hoosiers-needing-major-repairs/1295497586
Hoosier Gym In Grant Process for Needed Repairs
www.wthr.com/article/public-meeting-input-could-help-hoosier-gym-win-grant-repairs
Newspapers Respond to Raise the Roof!
Los Angeles Times: http://www.latimes.com/sns-bc-in--hoosiers-gym-repairs-20180715-story.html
Chicago's Very Own WGN 9: https://wgntv.com/2018/07/15/indiana-gym-in-1986-hoosiers-film-needs-repairs/
San Francisco Chronicle: www.sfchronicle.com/news/article/Indiana-gym-in-1986-Hoosiers-film-needs-repairs-13076676.php
My San Antonio: www.mysanantonio.com/news/article/Indiana-gym-in-1986-Hoosiers-film-needs-repairs-13076676.php
WLFI Channel 18 News Video: "Hoosiers" Gym In Need of Repairs
Chicago's Very Own WGN 9: https://wgntv.com/2018/07/15/indiana-gym-in-1986-hoosiers-film-needs-repairs/
San Francisco Chronicle: www.sfchronicle.com/news/article/Indiana-gym-in-1986-Hoosiers-film-needs-repairs-13076676.php
My San Antonio: www.mysanantonio.com/news/article/Indiana-gym-in-1986-Hoosiers-film-needs-repairs-13076676.php
WLFI Channel 18 News Video: "Hoosiers" Gym In Need of Repairs
2020 Articles
The Gazette: 'Hoosiers' basketball sit is what game is all about by David Novak
https://www.thegazette.com/sports/hoosiers-basketball-site-is-what-game-is-all-about/
https://www.thegazette.com/sports/hoosiers-basketball-site-is-what-game-is-all-about/