Indiana University Athletics
Hometown Hoosiers: Evansville, Ind.
2/12/2007 12:00:00 AM | General
Feb. 12, 2007
Story by Emily Hanover
As part of an ongoing series, IUHOOSIERS.com will take a look at the hometowns of Hoosier student-athletes throughout the year. The eighth in the series is Evansville, Ind.
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Evansville, Ind. is often referred to as Indiana's River City and is the third-largest city in the state. Seven Hoosier student-athletes were reared in this southern Indiana town and have continued their careers for IU.
Senior Jenna Babcock (women's soccer/Mater Dei), freshman Kipp Schutz (baseball/Harrison) and sophomore wrestler Matt Coughlin (Mater Dei) are three of those athletes that acknowledge their hometown as a place for fun with two nationally known street festivals.
Host to both fall and summer festivals Evansville residents are passionate about the two annual events, which attract visitors in the thousands. The first of the two yearly attractions is the West Side Nut Club Fall Festival. A fair held just west of downtown Evansville, it attracts nearly 150,000 people and is known for the assortment of food offered to its visitors.
"It's tradition to visit the fall festival," women's soccer player Ashley Seib (Central) said. "Even though I am away at school, I always make time to return home for the occasion."
Christopher Head (men's swimming and diving/North) couldn't agree more with Seib as he also lists Franklin Street, the centerpiece of the fair, as his favorite place in town.
The Evansville Freedom Festival, which is held in July, is a bit different from the Fall Festival, but just as exciting. With events ranging from a firework extravaganza over the Ohio River to a variety of hydroplane races, the event is fun for all those who spend their summer months in Evansville.
Along with both festivals, this southern town is also home to the University of Evansville and the University of Southern Indiana. Many Hoosier student-athletes started their own athletic endeavors cheering along with the Purple Aces and the Screaming Eagles faithful.
"I am always happy to see UE excel because I have some friends who suit up for them," Coughlin said. "When I was younger, my grandfather would take me to basketball games, and I remember how exciting they were to attend."
Also integral to UE athletics is the events shaping in the stands among the faithful.
"One of my favorite memories from my childhood is going to all the home basketball games at UE," Babcock said. "I would get dressed up in my Purple Aces cheerleading outfit and dance on the stairs with the team's dancers."
Old memories of their childhoods coincide with even newer attractions, such as the Children's Museum of Evansville, which opened its doors just last year. Other attractions located in Evansville include The Goebel Soccer Complex and Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve, a National Natural Landmark.
Every student-athlete enjoys the attractions offered, but more importantly they enjoy spending time in the town with family and friends.
"My favorite part of the town is the river," Coughlin said. "I love to go out on the river with my friends during the day and then head downtown because there is a lot to do and we always end up having fun."
Downtown Evansville has a riverfront view that makes for an evening of fun. With new buildings popping up all the time and the Casino Aztar, a riverboat casino, the downtown life of Evansville has surely come alive.
Along with tradition, Evansville is a town devoted to the performing arts, as it is home to various venues that host events such as the ballet and numerous concerts. The Victory Theater, The Centre, The Evansville Civic Theater, the Mesker Amphitheatre and the Robert Municipal Stadium each have their own share of history and can provide for a fun night out on the town.
Whether is it spending a night out in Evansville or partaking in one of
the many attractions offered, the rich history associated with this
southern town is similar to the success each student-athlete has found
here at Indiana University.
Other Evansville residents that suit up for the Cream and Crimson include:
Freshman Vanita Smart (women's basketball/Bosse)
Freshman Claire Ballard (rowing/North)
Freshman Sara Haraughty (rowing/North)
Redshirt sophomore Kyle Taber (men's basketball/Evansville Central)
Redshirt freshman Fabiene Boone (football/Bosse)
