Latest news with #IUIndy
Indianapolis Star
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
IU Indy's next basketball coach won 85% of games at Division II school, was second in scoring
INDIANAPOLIS — If the new coach's style translates from Division II to Division I, the IU Indy men's basketball program will be scoring plenty of points in the near future. Ben Howlett, who compiled a 217-37 record in eight seasons at Division II West Liberty (West Virginia), is the next IU Indy coach, a source close to the situation said Thursday, and will be announced early next week. Howlett took West Liberty to the Division II NCAA tournament every year of his tenure other than the 2020 season when the tournament was canceled. West Liberty was the national runner-up in 2023 and made two other Elite Eight appearances, including last season with a 30-5 record. Howlett, 38, was a star player at West Liberty under the highly successful Jim Crutchfield, who left in 2017 for Nova Southeastern. After six seasons as an assistant for Crutchfield from 2011-17, he was hired as his former coach's replacement. 'It's a challenge to follow in the footsteps of a legend like Jim Crutchfield but it's also a tremendous opportunity,' Howlett said when he was hired. 'I'm not coach Crutchfield and I won't try to be, but we've spent a lot of time together on and off the court over the years and I can't begin to tell you how much I've learned from him, not just about basketball but about life.' Howlett, a native of Marietta, Ohio, built teams at West Liberty that play an up-tempo offensive style. West Liberty averaged 100.2 points per game last season on the way to a 30-5 record. The Hilltoppers averaged 32.5 3-point attempts per game and shot 36.6% from the 3-point line. The only team that averaged more points in Division II than West Liberty was Crutchfield's Nova Southeastern (101.7 ppg). West Liberty ranked fourth in Division II in 3-point attempts per game, second in assists per game (22.3), fifth in fast break points (21.0), ninth in steals per game (10.8), third in 3-pointers made per game (11.9) and fourth in turnovers forced per game (19.7). The hiring comes just nine days after IU Indy fired Paul Corsaro after just one season. The Jaguars showed improvement, finishing 10-22, but Corsaro was fired after the school conducted an investigation into allegations citing 'deep concerns regarding the culture and treatment of student athletes within the IU Indianapolis men's basketball program under head coach Paul Corsaro.' News: Paul Corsaro denies allegations that led to firing as IU Indy men's basketball coach In a statement to IndyStar, IU Indy's athletic department said: 'Last month, IU Indianapolis Athletics received allegations from six individuals who had played under coach Paul Corsaro at IU Indianapolis. Based on the complaints, the IU office of vice president and general counsel conducted an investigation and concluded that Corsaro's behavior did not meet the university's values and standards regarding the treatment of student athletes. Based on these conclusions, IU Indianapolis has dismissed Paul Corsaro. The search for a new coach will begin immediately.' The search concluded with the hiring of Howlett. IU Indy has eight players committed in the incoming recruiting class, including Zionsville standout Maguire Mitchell and former local standouts in Eastern Kentucky transfer Micah Davis (Franklin) and St. Bonaventure transfer Jaxon Edwards (Cathedral). Among the top returners for IU Indy is former Fishers standout Keenan Garner, who averaged 5.3 points and 4.8 rebounds as a freshman last season.
Indianapolis Star
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Paul Corsaro denies allegations that led to firing as IU Indy men's basketball coach
INDIANAPOLIS — Paul Corsaro issued a statement late Tuesday denying allegations made against him that led to his firing as IU Indy men's basketball coach, stating that he and his staff instead "fostered a strong culture" that led to building a "solid foundation for our program." Corsaro, 36, had completed his first season leading the Jaguars to a 10-22 record and a 6-14 mark in the Horizon League. But that record marked significant improvement for a program that had not won double digit games since going 16-17 in 2018-19 under Jason Gardner. He previously had a successful four-year run at the University of Indianapolis that included a 68-25 record over his last three seasons with back-to-back NCAA Division II tournament appearances and consecutive Great Lakes Valley Conference regular season titles. But after his first season with the Jaguars, he became the subject of an investigation after Rex Elliott, a lawyer out of the Columbus, Ohio-based Cooper Elliott Law Firm, filed the complaint to IU Indy on behalf of the six families. The complaint cites 'Our concerns regarding the IU Indianapolis men's basketball program extend far beyond the normal challenges or demands of student-athlete life and into abuse both physically, emotionally, and an environment of intimidation, bullying, retaliation, and fear.' The news: Paul Corsaro fired as IU Indy basketball coach after investigation Corsaro denied those allegations and alleged the university violated the terms of his contract. 'The university's decision today is deeply disheartening," Corsaro told IndyStar. "I vehemently deny the alleged mistreatment of student athletes and will vigorously defend the reputation I have worked tirelessly to build. 'I am extremely disappointed that the university issued a statement this morning without having first being afforded the opportunity to file a written appeal, as per the teams of my contract and which I intend to do. Despite my full cooperation with the university's process, including providing numerous documents that refuted the unfair allegations against me, the university has consistently refused to provide any documentation that initiated and substantiated these claims, even after multiple requests. 'The unwavering dedication of our student athletes and staff this past season has been instrumental in establishing a solid foundation for our program. We fostered a strong culture, the significance of which was regrettably overlooked by some. Our achievements both on the court and in the classroom this year, underscored by the impressive retention of our roster for the upcoming season, truly speak to the strength of this foundation. Over the last several weeks, I held on to my faith in the university's process and remained confident, until today, that I would have the privilege of continuing to lead the IU Indy men's basketball team. My focus now is on clearing my name and rebuilding the reputation that has been unfairly damaged.'
Indianapolis Star
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Indiana volleyball star skips senior year to join nation's No. 1 team: 'This kid's ready to go'
LIZTON — Suzanne Masten received two very different answers when she would ask her daughters what they wanted to do when they grew up. Elle Patterson, a Tri-West grad and sophomore outside hitter at IU Indy, wanted to be a doctor. Her younger sister Izzy Masten? She wanted to be in the Olympics. "It's crazy that was her answer," said Suzanne, a longtime coach and former Purdue volleyball player. "And I don't think she was kidding." Izzy was serious and not unlike most athletes of her caliber, that determination and dedication has helped establish the 5-8 junior outside hitter/defensive specialist among the state's best on both the indoor and outdoor circuits. It's also why she's decided to forgo her senior year of high school and enroll at the University of Pittsburgh this fall. "(Coach Dan Fishers) told me the elite players are chomping at the bit to play with them," Masten, who committed to Pitt as a libero in June. "And I was like, yeah, you're right. I want to be an elite player and the sooner the better to play with the best players in the country. … That's what I want. I want to be one of the best players in the country so why not start now?" Masten had "tunnel vision" on her plans for her senior year. One of the top students in her class, she would graduate a semester early and enroll at Pitt next spring. But as they were wrapping up an unofficial visit the Sunday after IHSAA regionals in late October, associate head coach and recruiting coordinator Kellen Petrone "threw out" the idea of coming a year early. Masten thought Petrone was joking, initially. While graduating at semester is a current trend among standout volleyball players, graduating an entire year early is far less common — and he hadn't broached the subject with head coach Dan Fishers yet. But Petrone assured the Mastens he was being serious, revisiting the topic with her when she took her official visit before coach Fishers reached out following the Panthers' run to the national semifinals. "Let's have a real conversation," he told her. Pitt went 33-2, won its sixth ACC title in eight years and reached the national semifinals as the No. 1 overall seed last season. It returns a number of key players, including AVCA National Player of the Year Olivia Babcock, a right side, and first team all-Americans Rachel Fairbanks and Torrey Stafford. On paper, the Panthers should be as good, if not better, in 2025. And Fishers believes Masten can be a key contributor. "The most impressive thing with Dan is how much he believes in Izzy," Suzanne said. "Let's get her in and build the program." "That was a big thing that propelled me to make my decision," her daughter continued. "He was like, 'I believe in you and I think you can do this. You're there physically. … And I think you could come in and help us.'" 'I didn't want to limit myself': Why Roncalli's Logan Bell is following Matt Ulmer to Kansas More: State's top 2026 volleyball recruit remains committed despite coaching change Masten was given a few days over Christmas break to think things over and thought the decision was made for her when Pitt added Emery Dupes, a redshirt senior libero from Florida State, via the transfer portal. She was the first All-ACC freshman libero in program history (2021) and gave Pitt three liberos/defensive specialists on its roster with returners Dillyn Griffin, a junior, and Mallorie Meyer, a freshman, both of whom appeared in at least 30 matches (80-plus sets). But the Pitt coaching staff still wanted Masten to come a year early. "Everyone's going to be better than me and I'll have to push myself every day. That's the only way I'm gonna grow, the only way I'm going to get better," Masten said, repeating a mantra her older sister instilled upon her: "I have to get comfortable being uncomfortable." "I couldn't pass up this opportunity," Masten later added. "To go to Pitt and train with them and compete with them — I feel like I've already accomplished a lot in high school. There's not much more for me other than winning a state championship." She's not wrong. Masten, who aspires to play volleyball professionally, finished her three-year preps career with 1,276 kills on .286 hitting, 1,018 digs, 257 aces, 88 blocks and 118 assists. She led the Bruins to two Class 3A state semifinals, including this past season when she set career-highs in kills (557), hit% (.325), aces (142), blocks (42) and assists (49). Masten is "crazy talented," Tri-West coach Alexis Padgett said, praising her unstoppable drive and ability to impact a match in a variety of ways. "She's confident in everything she does, which is what I love about her." Padgett recalled seeing Masten for the first time at a Circle City camp, watching the relatively short 9-year-old jump serve the "heavy ball" deeper than the 14-year-olds next to her. "That kid's going to be something," she recalled thinking to herself. "Even from that age she was super gritty," Padgett continued. "I remember watching her pursue this one ball way off the court and I was like, there's no way she's going to get there. She got there, got back up, got right back into the play and got a kill. She's always been hungry like that. … She did great things at Tri-West and she'll do the same at Pitt." Asked if any of it feels real yet, Masten said it's been slowly sinking in she's a senior now. She's been apartment hunting in Pittsburgh, has picked up her cap and gown, and is wrapping up the final few weeks of high school classes. In 17 weeks — probably around six to eight after she arrives on campus — Masten will make her collegiate debut in front of over 15,000 fans as Pitt opens the season vs. Nebraska as part of the AVCA First Serve Showcase. "Izzy is the first in the gym and the last one out after practice," Suzanne said, estimating her daughter passed 500 balls before leaving practice Tuesday. "This kid's ready to go."
Axios
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Understanding the art of pro wrestling in Indianapolis
While it may seem like witnessing a back alley brawl, one IU Indy professor says taking in a professional wrestling event is more like spending an evening at a jazz cafe. Why it matters: The funky music made by pro wrestling set records in the Circle City when the WWE Royal Rumble came to town Feb. 1, and more mania is on the way. By the numbers: The Rumble packed Lucas Oil Stadium with more than 70,000 fans to begin a multi-year partnership between the city and WWE. The event was expected to have a $40 million economic impact on Indianapolis. The entire partnership, which will also bring WrestleMania and SummerSlam to town in the future, has a total projected economic impact of $350 million. Zoom in: Classical studies and art history lecturer Andy Findley says the connection between jazz and pro wrestling is the freedom granted to the performers. "Frequently folks will say, wrestling is all fake. They know the outcomes," Findley told Axios. "Yeah, they do. And there are moments that they script out ahead of time. But the rest of it is improvisation." "You have a rhythm. You've got a baseline. You have a broad chord progression, and everything else is just the artist feeling out what they can do within those confines. And that's what wrestling is like for me." Between the lines: Findley joined WWE director of character development Rob Fee on the IU Indy campus for a pre-Rumble discussion. Fee, who joined WWE after working as a writer for Marvel and Disney, said the art of storytelling in pro wrestling is the ability to tell personal, longform stories that go beyond the pursuit of championship titles. Yes, but: Casual fans who just tune in for big events can appreciate the artistic expression that comes with the genre's elaborate entrances, costumes and catchphrases. "I don't think there's anything else that is accessible to everyone in such a tangible way," Fee said. What's next: You don't have to wait for the WWE to return to see these full-contact creators in action. Naptown All-Pro Wrestling is hosting an all-ages event headlined by a heavyweight championship bout at 2pm Sunday at Upland Brewing in Fountain Square. Tickets start at $30.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Doumbia leads Wright State with 23 off the bench in 98-85 win over IU Indy in Horizon League first round
DAYTON – Four players had double-digit scoring nights, paced by Jack Doumbia's 23-point, 12-rebound double-double, and the Wright State men's basketball team opened postseason play with a 98-85 home victory over IU Indy in the first round of the 2025 Barbasol Horizon League Men's Basketball Championship. No. 9-seeded Wright State (15-17) advances to a Thursday road contest at No. 1 RMU in the quarterfinals, with tipoff set for 8 p.m. in metro Pittsburgh. Fans can follow the action on ESPN+ or on the Wright State Radio Network, where Chris Collins and Jim Brown will have all the action on the radio feed. Doumbia was a perfect 8-of-8 from the floor on the way to his game-best 23 points, adding a 6-of-8 mark at the free throw line. He added a game-high seven assists and had two blocks and a steal for a stuffed stat line in 30 minutes of action. Brandon Noel was nearly as effective, going 7-of-9 from the floor on the way to his 17-point output, while Alex Huibregtse and Keaton Norris each finished with 16 points as the pair had mirrored stat lines of four three-pointers, four assists and three rebounds. Michael Imariagbe was the final Raider in double digits, notching 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting as he turned in nine second half points while finishing with eight rebounds in 25 minutes. Logan Woods chipped in eight points and Andrew Welage added six points on a pair of threes, while Solomon Callaghan was held scoreless for the first time in 10 games but did pass out six assists. Wright State shot 74 percent in the second half and finished the win at 63 percent shooting overall (36-of-57) while connecting on 14 three-pointers, 10 of which came in the first half (14-of-30, 47 percent). IU Indy shot 53 percent overall (31-of-58) and connecting on 14 three-pointers of its own (14-of-24, 58 percent). The Raiders won the battle on the glass, 35-19, including grabbing 24 rebounds on the defensive end, while also finishing with the edge in paint points (38-28) and fast break points (21-12). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
