It was the end of an era for Lebanon girls basketball in March when longtime coach Tracey Hammel did not have her contract renewed by the Lebanon Community School Corporation School Board.
Hammel, who led Lebanon for 16 seasons, had a 222-140 record at the school.
She led the school to five sectional and three regional titles in her tenure.
In her final season, the Tigers went 8-14 and lost in the first round of the sectionals to Southmont.
While Hammel did not attend the board meeting herself, she had a large contingent of supporters at the meeting spilling into the hallways, 12 of whom spoke.
“Letting her go is a total injustice to the town and school,” Blaine Boyland said at the meeting. “The support is there for her, you just need to support her too.”
Two months later the job was given to Dave Ferrell, a former Lebanon player who has come back to lead the program.
Ferrell knew when he took the job in May that he was going to have big shoes to fill.
“It’s hard to live up to 220 plus wins,” he said. “She and I are actually really good acquaintances. My goal is to build a program founded on hard work and class. And we are going to build a culture around here in which girls enjoy playing basketball. But they also understand that the ultimate goal here is to win some games. Hopefully the community will support that.”
Hammel, who did not return phone calls from the Lebanon Reporter, took a job at Zionsville Community High School as the assistant coach for the junior varsity team.
Local News
Year in Review No. 8: Tracey Hammel leaves Lebanon
- Local News
-
-
Measles outbreak may include Boone
Two Boone County residents appear to have measles, while two Hamilton County residents — including at least one who visited the Super Bowl Village in Indianapolis on a day it was attended by about 200,000 people — have been confirmed as having the disease.
-
Skillman brings tour to county
Elected officials in Boone County are being proactive in “trying to address issues they know are coming down the road,” Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman said after meeting representatives of nine local governments.
-
County council field expands to 6
An incumbent at-large member of the Boone County Council will seek election to the board, while a sixth candidate has joined the field for the Republican Party’s nomination for the three at-large seats.
-
Stocking Up
The store is still hiring. “We are very excited to come to town,” said General Manager Jon Keller.
-
Communities evaluate success in bowl roles
While the world was focused on downtown Indianapolis in the days leading up to Super Bowl XLVI, many outlying communities — including Lebanon and Zionsville — were also playing a role, taking care of visitors, working at the event or taking in the celebration leading up to the big game.
-
Thomas takes reins of learning network
The Boone County Learning Network is looking in a new direction with a new executive director, Michele Thomas.
-
Lebanon High School graduate turns Naptown Roller Girl
Indianapolis, sometimes called “Naptown,” is known for its NFL football team, Motor Speedway, and — on a good day — its basketball team.
-
Deputy-involved accidents down over last 5 years
Accidents involving Boone County Sheriff’s Office deputies have been falling steadily since 2008, insurance agent Dan Lamar told the county commissioners Monday.
-
Zbowl winterfest
-
Referrals help food support group grow
Interest and participation in a food support group begun in November at The Caring Center in Lebanon has been boosted by referrals from other agencies.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Measles outbreak may include Boone
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
