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Indianapolis Star
02-06-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Running and go-karts: Marion County Female Athlete of Year races on two types of tracks
Kaelina Matthews had a plenty of experience in racing, though it took her a little while to warm up to the idea of running in front of people. When she was 3 or 4 years old, she lined up for the kids' race at the Drumstick Dash. 'She didn't realize everyone was going to watch her,' said her father, Brian Matthews. 'She was like, 'I want no part of this.'' Fast forward a few years later. Kaelina was a third grader, running her first cross country race with a fourth-grade friend. She started off slowly, chatting with her friend near the back of the pack. 'I said, 'You gotta run, Kaelina,' and she was like, 'OK,' and just took off,' Brian said. 'She ran everybody down and went from being like 12th to second by the by the time she finished. From that point on, she was like, 'I like racing, and I like winning. Let's do it.'' Matthews, now closing out her senior year of high school at North Central, has kept up the pace ever since, running cross-country and track for the Panthers. Matthews won the sectional and regional championships in the 800 meters (running a 2:14.82 in the latter) and will compete in the state track meet on her home track Saturday in that event and with North Central's 4x800 meter relay team. She will go into that final high school meet with a new title: Marion County Female Athlete of the Year for 2024-25. Matthews was selected as the winner by a vote of athletic directors in Marion County. The honor dates to 1950 (it grew to include female athletes in 1979) and is regarded as one of the top recognition awards for Indianapolis-area senior high school athletes. Other finalists for the award were Lawrence Central basketball star Jaylah Lampley and Lawrence North basketball and track and field standout Jamaya Thomas. Matthews took to the long-distance races when she started running. But when she got to North Central, she found her favorite — and best — distance. 'For the longest time I tried to convince myself I was a cross-country kid,' Matthews said. 'Then I made it to high school and did my first season of track there, did the 800 for the first time and said, 'This is going to be my race.' I just love the 800 so much.' The 800 is arguably the toughest race in track and field, requiring a blend of speed, endurance and mental toughness. 'Embrace the suck,' is what her father used to tell her. That mantra is repeated in her head 'every single race.' 'It's helped me in other aspects of my life and developing mental toughness to compete well in the 800,' she said. 'I feel like I've always embraced it, knowing it's always going to make me better in the end.' Matthews has thrived in both cross-country and track and field. She was a three-time all-Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference performer in cross-country, winning the MIC meet as a senior. In track, she won the 800 and 1,600 meters in the MIC as a senior and was part of school records in the 4x800 and distance medley relay. 'I would say a lot of my confidence comes from running,' she said. 'Being able to support younger girls and see how fast everyone has gotten around me has been fun. To grow up around my parents who have been running their whole lives and see they are still doing it — this is a lifelong sport you can do. I'd definitely say running is what made me the person I am today.' Kaelina's parents, Brian and Amy, knew plenty about running. Both have competed in multiple marathons. But a different type of racing piqued their daughter's interest one day when she watched a Formula 1 race. Kaelina, the National Honors Society student that she is, did her research. She did not want to just learn about racing — she wanted to do it herself. 'She has a love for adrenaline,' Amy said. Kaelina found out she needed to get into go-kart racing as an entry point. She had a friend who raced at New Castle Motorsports Park and went out one weekend to check it out. While there, one of her friend's acquaintances told her they were selling a kart and told to her to come test it the next weekend. 'I went out and tested it and loved it,' she said. 'We ended up getting the kart.' Kaelina was 16 at the time, a relatively late start in a sport where kids often start racing at age 6 or 7. 'I was all for it,' Brian said. 'I was happy to support her. I said, 'Here's an opportunity for you. If you are interested in it, you might as well pursue it.'' There are some similarities from running and racing, Kaelina said. There is the race strategy of 'when do I make my move?' and the supportive community within the sport. 'I wasn't expecting that,' she said. 'Especially knowing how cutthroat racing can be at the top levels.' But the actual racing was only part of Kaelina's interest in getting involved at New Castle, where IndyCar drivers like Conor Daly and Josef Newgarden began their racing careers. She also saw it as an entry point into her goal of working as a mechanic for a top IndyCar team. Kaelina plans to continue racing karts even as she gets into college at Marian University, where she plans to run cross-country and track and major in mechanical engineering. She has made some connections already and hopes to get an internship next year with Andretti Autosport or Chip Ganassi Racing. 'I'd love to work at being a mechanic and traveling around from race to race and doing whatever they need me to do,' Kaelina said. 'Once I get closer to graduating college, I'd like to get more specific with my internship and hopefully work more closely with the engineers.' Kaelina said her interested in engineering goes back about 10 years. She originally thought about going into the Air Force and working on planes but pivoted away from that idea when she got interested in cars. Kaelina has already connected with a few women involved in the motorsports world. 'When she sets her mind to something, whether it's running, karting or other things, too, she is very driven and very capable,' Amy Matthews said. Kaelina recently transitioned into shifter karts, which go about 80 to 100 miles per hour. After her first day with the shifter, she told her mom how much she loved it. 'She was over the moon about it,' Amy said. 'But I don't know that I had too many nerves because she's always liked adrenaline-related things. They do a good job at New Castle of catching the right things from a safety standpoint. That made me feel better that it was a good place to be racing, even as a new racer.' Kaelina is goal-oriented, keeping a whiteboard in her room with a list of things she hopes to accomplish. One of those goals was winning the Marion County Female Athlete of the Year. But many of her goals in the spring track were in jeopardy when she got COVID in December. It was a rough recovery for Kaelina, who even considered not doing track at all because she had to take three months off from running. 'It really hit me during finals of the first semester,' she said. 'I couldn't breathe (deeply), was having heart issues and short-term memory issues. I kept trying to run but it just wasn't happening. Usually when I get an illness, I handle it pretty well. But this one took me out.' She finally was able to return in March and eventually worked her way back in her conditioning. And now, she will be able to run a final race at the state meet at North Central. 'I'm so grateful for North Central,' she said. 'There was a time when I didn't know if it was going to be the right spot for me. But the lessons I've learned and the teams I've been on have just been incredible. I know everyone says not to take for granted the time that you have, but it's so true. I'd tell anyone to put in the work and don't sell yourself short.'
Indianapolis Star
30-05-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
'High energy kid.' City Male Athlete of Year Kalen Sargent finds calling running track
Kalen Sargent will leave Bishop Chatard High School as a much different person than the one who entered. Sargent smiles when he thinks back to that kid. 'You think you know everything,' he said. 'I definitely changed.' For starters, that Kalen Sargent was not a track and field athlete. He was a football player. Sargent did not run track as a freshman. But Chatard track coach Sean McGinley remembers the first day Sargent came out for track practice as a sophomore. Long strider. Good potential. 'He helped the team,' McGinley said. 'He was more of a relay runner. He ran the 4x100 (relay) and the 200 (meters). Then, as a junior, he really developed the ability that he has now.' The big breakthrough came during the sectional meet in Sargent's junior year. His 48.17-second time in the 400 meters won the event in a duel with North Central's Dehnm Holt, who was right behind him at 48.32 seconds. 'In May of last year, he really started developing into a 200 and 400 runner,' McGinley said. "He went 21.7 in the City meet in the 200 and 48.1 (in the sectional 400). That was kind of his big breakout those two or three weeks in a row.' Sargent, the kid who would have never considered himself a track athlete, committed to Indiana University in February to run track. He is also the City Male Athlete of the Year for 2024-25 by a vote of the athletic directors in Marion County. The honor dates to 1950 (it grew to include female athletes in 1979) and is regarded as one of the top recognition awards for Indianapolis-area senior high school athletes. Other finalists for the award were Crispus Attucks basketball standout Dezmon Briscoe and Cathedral football/track star Devaughn Slaughter. The award is geared toward athletic achievement, but the winners also exhibit impressive credentials in academics and in their personal lives. Generally, multi-sport athletes are given consideration over single-sport athletes. 'He brings it in practice every day,' senior teammate Phoenix Boyer said of Sargent. 'He pushes his teammates. I'll be on the ground dead in a workout after doing a hard 400, an intense workout for runners, and he'll pick me up. He's a great teammate because he pushes you a bunch. Anyone would want him on your team.' Boyer would know. He and Sargent are part of Chatard's 4x400 relay team that set an indoor state record with a time of 3:15.92 at the state meet in late March. Sargent and Boyer, joined by Keaton Keuhr and Quinn O'Neil, are locked in a battle right behind North Central in the race for a state title. At the sectional meet, Sargent took first in the 100 (10.85), second in the 400 (48.15) and helped the 4x400 relay team to a second-place finish (3:18.32). 'He's definitely a high energy kid in a positive way,' McGinley said of Sargent. "He's willing to do different events for the team. He started off as more of a 100 runner but he developed into a 400 runner. He's really done the 100, 200 and 400 all season.' Sargent dropped the 200 for the run to the state meet, sticking with the 100, 400 and 4x400. He begged his coach last year to run the open 400, then set the school record in the sectional (Boyer later broke it). But Sargent found his passion, running a 46.3 split in the Dennis McNulty Invitational in late April. 'Coach called it a 'real man's race,'' Sargent said of the 400. 'I got out there and ran a fast time (in the sectional last year) and set a school record. That's when he was like, 'Oh yeah, I think we found your thing.' Before that it was more 100 and 200 and just went out there and ran. God blessed with this frame, but it's definitely a race where you have to have your mental side right. I definitely like a challenge.' Football did not necessarily turn out like Sargent hoped, though he did play on Class 3A state championship teams as a sophomore and junior as a receiver and defensive back. 'I kind of got in my own head and it just didn't work out,' Sargent said. 'But I came out here to track and just gave it a shot and kind of took off with it. I wasn't seeing the progress like I wanted during football season, so I wanted to find something else where I could get after it and just kind of feed that hunger.' He found the perfect outlet and the right teammates. Boyer, who has competed in track since fourth grade, said he appreciates track as a sport because he 'loves pushing to be the best version of myself.' 'I lot of it is mental,' Boyer said. 'The toughest part is finishing, staying strong. You have to get excited and have that mindset that you are going to win. If you doubt yourself, it kind of sends you down a bad hill. But if you can have that excitement and bring that energy, your teammates know what you can do, and the race is a lot easier.' Boyer said he saw that light go off for Sargent as a junior. 'He's one of the best athletes to train with because he's one of the top runners in the state,' Boyer said. 'He's the best person I can compete with.' Sargent is likely to run the 400 at IU. He plans on majoring in business and having a minor in meteorology, then joining the reserves and 'hopefully fly fighter jets while doing that' with the goal of becoming a commercial pilot. But for now, he is still taking flight by running around the track. 'I've enjoyed pushing my personal limits to a new level and the team's limits to a new level,' Sargent said. 'Just seeing what we can really do and having fun at the same time.'
Indianapolis Star
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
'Let's try everything.' Heritage Christian's Kya Crooke City Female Athlete of the Year
To say the high jump comes easy to Kya Crooke would not be fair. To do so would discredit the hours and hours of work Crooke put into becoming one of the best high jumpers in the country, with legitimate goals of reaching the 2028 Olympic Games. To say Crooke is a natural at the high jump is more accurate. Because, well, Crooke is a natural at about everything she tries. She was riding a two-wheel bicycle before she was 2 years old (no training wheels). She broke her mother's high jump school record the first meet of her freshman year (it would have been in middle school if those meets counted). She could have played soccer in college. Maybe even tennis. Or basketball. 'My wife Julie and I wanted them to try everything,' her father, Val Crooke, said of Kya and her younger sister Kenzie and younger brother Kaden. 'We always reinforced the idea of, 'Let's try everything.' … I think that's the biggest thing that makes her great at what she does. She had a chance to do all of those things.' Crooke, a senior at Heritage Christian, made her name as a track and field athlete, already owning state titles in the long jump and high jump with her final high school meet still to come. But her accomplishments are not limited to that endeavor. Or even just competing in sports. You might see her on the other side of the microphone someday as a reporter for an NFL, NBA or Major League Baseball game. You would be hard-pressed to find a more well-rounded person than Crooke, who is the City Female Athlete of the Year. The honor, which dates to 1950 and grew to include female athletes in 1979, is regarded as one of the top awards for Indianapolis-area senior high school athletes. But her true sports' love is track and field. Specifically, the high jump. 'Every single time I step on the track it's never like, 'Ugh, I have to be here,'' Crooke said. 'I want to be out here. I want to continue to get better. I want to be at practice. I love being around my teammates. I love being at meets. It's not like a job; it's something that I love to do. I think that's why I continue to get better – you continue to get better if you love what you are doing.' Other finalists for the award, which is voted on by the Marion County athletic directors, were Bishop Chatard's Anna Caskey and Cathedral's Kate Kubacki, both multi-sport athletes in their own right. The award is geared toward athletic achievement, but the winners also exhibit impressive credentials in academics and their personal lives. Generally, multi-sport athletes are given consideration over single-sport athletes, though that is not always the case. Two weeks ago, Crooke had what she described as a 'Wow' moment with a 6-foot, 2-inch high jump that ranks first in the United States and second in the world for the under-20 age group. That jump is just ¼ inch from the all-time Indiana high school girls' record set by Angie Bradburn of Norwell in 1985. Bradburn also holds the state meet record of 6-0. Crooke, who will continue her track career at the University of Arizona, had a breakthrough last year, winning the high jump for the first time at 5-11 in a competitive event that included defending champion Josie Page of Wood Memorial, who went 5-10. As a sophomore, Crooke won the long jump state title and was runner-up in the 300 hurdles. But Crooke had bigger sights than even a state championship. 'I was stuck at 5-10, 5-11 for a long time and it was getting a little frustrating because I was so close to 6 feet,' Crooke said. 'Once I hit that 6-foot barrier, it just kind of flipped something and I was able to keep on getting better. I'm excited to see how that keeps going. It was awesome to see that big PR. My biggest goal for this season is to get that state meet record (6-0). Just being able to do that on the day will be something I'm preparing for.' Val and Julie Crooke did not anticipate their oldest child would get into the high jump. Track? Yes. Val Crooke ran track growing up on the Caribbean island of Saint Kitts before going to college at Anderson University. Julie (maiden name Reinwald) was a soccer star, going on to play in college at Liberty University. Val's background was in the sprints. So, when Kya said she wanted to try high jump one summer with her club team, her dad told her to go ahead and give it a shot. But he did not have much to add – at first. 'We were like, 'Well you are fast and can jump far,'' Val said. 'But we knew nothing about high jump.' Val got himself up to speed on the high jump but gives most of the credit for Kya's rapid advancement to coach Vic Johnson and the work Kya put in on her own. 'I've learned to just shut up and be quiet,' Val said with a laugh. 'I'm dad most of the time and coach sometimes. Vic is 'coach' all the time. We've had a great relationship from that standpoint. I've gotten really good learning from Kya and other coaches. I feel like I'm pretty solid now (coaching high jump). You have to study and understand it's not just about how high you can jump. It's about the other details.' As soon as Kya tried the high jump, she knew it was for her. And despite her dad deflecting any and all credit, she said the father-daughter time on the track has been one of best things about her experience in the sport. Val has connected with Arizona high jump coach Bob Carter, a technician of the event who has coached four collegiate record holders and several Olympians during his lengthy career. 'Every ounce of free time my dad has, he's studying high jumpers and getting information from coaches,' Kya said. 'He's getting information from 'Coach Bob', where I'll be in the future. The amount of work he's put into just learning the high jump to make me better is amazing. Him and Vic are best friends, so they work really well together. There's no clashing or anything. It's been really cool to have the opportunity to be coach by my dad and coach Vic.' Crooke actually came into high school wondering if soccer might be her sport to pursue in college. If not for her excellence in track, it might have been. She scored 35 goals as a freshman at Heritage Christian, helping the Eagles to a Class A state championship. She kept playing all the way through her senior year. 'I really thought I was going to play soccer in college,' she said. 'I really did. It ended up not working out but I'm glad I was able to finish it out and keep playing soccer.' The only reason it did not work out is because she was so outstanding in track and field. Kya's mother, Julie, dabbled in the high jump in high school but did not stick with it because of soccer. But she did high jump 5-4 ¾ in 1994 without any real idea of what she was doing. 'I asked the coaches, 'Can I try this?'' said Julie, who graduated from Heritage Christian in 1995. 'The record was from like 1976 and was 5-2. I said, 'I can jump that.' Even though I didn't really know how to high jump.' Kya could already long jump 13 feet, 4 inches by age 10. She surpassed her mother's high jump record in seventh grade, though she would not 'officially' break the record until the first meet of her freshman year. Kya took second at the state meet that year, jumping 5-7. As Kya has continued to pile up the honors and awards, she has become a role model to younger athletes at Heritage Christian and within the Soca Speed Track Club, which Val and Julie started when Kya was in elementary school. But her position as a role model goes beyond what kids see on the track. 'She has a really sweet spirit,' Julie said. 'Even when she was little, she could sense when a person felt left out and she'd be like, 'Come on.' One of the things I love about her is she loves to cheer on other people. She gets locked in but she's not all about herself. Even after she got 6-2 in the high jump, she was calling kids from the club team to see how they did at their junior high meet. She puts others above herself, which is neat because that is not common.' Crooke has the top time going into the regional at Lawrence Central on Tuesday in the 100 (12.35 seconds), along with having the top marks in the high jump and long jump. Younger sister Kenzie, a sophomore, qualified for the regional in the 300 hurdles (45.55). 'She puts in the work,' Kenzie said of her older sister. 'Every practice, she goes 100%. She definitely does push me. I really look up to her and love watching her compete every week. I'm really excited for her but I'm going to miss her a lot. I'm kind of nervous for when she leaves. We're so close and I love talking to her every night.' But Kenzie knows her sister is on to bigger and better things. Kya has goals of competing in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles and competing at a high level in college at Arizona. And when she is done competing years down the road, she would love to work as a broadcaster covering professional football, basketball or baseball, and big track meets. And because she is Kya Crooke, there is no doubt she will put in the work to accomplish those goals. She also will not forget the people who helped her get there. 'Prayers with my teammates is probably one of the most special things I'll remember,' she said. 'And all of my teammates on the track team. For a lot of them, track is not their No. 1 sport. We get kids from soccer, football, basketball. It's such a big mix of kids and relationships I've been able to build, even though Heritage Christian is a pretty small school. I also love that I got to compete with my sister for two years. That is really cool. I'm sure I'll get a call when she breaks my records.'
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Best roofers in Indianapolis, Ind.
Whether you have a small leak or need a new roof, finding a trustworthy roofing company in Indianapolis can feel overwhelming. The Yahoo Local team analyzed 45 Indianapolis-area roofing contractors and more than 18,000 online reviews using its unique algorithm to identify the top five roofing companies in the city. Our assessment considered factors like Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation, services offered, materials and technologies designed to prolong your roof's lifespan. These highly rated experts provide comprehensive roofing solutions to enhance your home's safety, aesthetics and resale value. When picking a roofing company, prioritize what is most important to you. If it's sustainability, choose a company that offers shingle brands manufactured with the environment in mind, like Malarkey. If certification is important, look for CertainTeed Shingle Master or Owens Corning's Platinum Preferred credentials. Start by asking friends, family, coworkers and neighbors in Indianapolis for recommendations. Check online platforms like Yelp, Google or Angi. Once you've narrowed your list, you can also look for BBB accreditation and ratings. Getting estimates from at least three different companies will give you a clearer picture of potential costs. Companies on our list use satellite imagery, in-person assessments or a mix of both to calculate your estimate. If there's a specific shingle brand you have in mind, most roofing company websites list the brands they work with and the certifications their employees have earned. Asphalt shingles are typically the most budget-friendly, while metal and tile options have a higher upfront cost but often last longer and come with more expansive manufacturer warranties. Based on our evaluation, Custom Exteriors stands out as the top roofer for Indianapolis. Their A+ rating with the BBB, reputation for outstanding customer service and attention to detail, competitive pricing and number of repeat customers are noteworthy. If you have other exterior home projects, the company also handles windows, siding, doors, porches and decks — truly a one-stop shop for home improvement and renovations. For those who value community involvement and giving back, Coomer Roofing Company is a strong contender. The company and its team actively support local initiatives, like Indiana Wish and educational programs for students and teachers. If clear communication is a priority, Moss Roofing is well-equipped, with project managers who can effectively communicate with non-native English speakers and assist customers who are hearing-impaired. When a severe weather event blows through and damages your roof, Honest Abe Roofing offers quick response times, with free inspections and 24/7 service. Best overall roofer in Indianapolis Best for communication Best flexible financing options More best roofing companies Why you can trust Yahoo Local roofing advice Indianapolis roofing FAQs Methodology For over four decades, Custom Exteriors has been committed to delivering exceptional service in Indianapolis and its surrounding communities. As a local, family-run business, the company's core values of fairness and honest work in delivering high-quality home improvements have remained unchanged. When you call or request an estimate online, someone will contact you to schedule an in-person inspection. The company prefers to meet with potential customers to discuss any issues they discover and review the different shingle options. The person we spoke to wasn't comfortable giving us a rough estimate for a 1,200-square-foot home without seeing the house in person. If you choose Custom Exteriors, the company requires a deposit of one-third of the project cost to secure your installation date and order materials. It accepts cash, credit cards and Zelle electronic transfers but charges a 3% transaction fee for credit card payments. Services offered Roof repair and replacement Siding repair, replacement and installation Windows Doors Porches and decks We learned that the person who conducts the estimate for your roof will also serve as your primary contact throughout your project. They stop by on installation day to answer any questions you may have or address any problems; a project manager is also on-site for the duration of the job. It takes a crew of four-to-six people a day to install a new roof, though larger roofs may take a little longer. As long as the temperatures are above freezing, they can schedule your job at any time of the year. If severe weather strikes and you're worried about damage, they'll inspect your roof for free. If it needs repairs or a replacement, they'll help you with the insurance process. Custom Exteriors has several warranty options, including a 10-year workmanship warranty and the manufacturer's warranty. The company is a CertainTeed Shingle Master, which means employees have undergone training, passed exams on CertainTeed products and installation techniques and demonstrate a commitment to high-quality roofing. The company is licensed, bonded and insured, BBB-accredited with an A+ rating, and has no registered complaints. It has a 4.8-star Google rating (71 reviews) and a five-star Yelp rating (one review). All employees are background-checked, and the company has two crews of subcontractors it has worked with for many years. Custom Exteriors is located at 1739 N. 600 W., Greenfield, Ind., 46140. For more information or a free estimate, contact Custom Exteriors at 317-894-0152 or visit its website. Customer testimonial The estimate for a new roof was very quick. There was absolutely no pressure to buy. We chose the option we wanted, a rep came out to the house with a contract, and we made a down payment. Shortly afterwards, we were called to set a date during the following week. The installers came out, ripped off the old shingles, installed the new shingles and vents, cleaned up and finished in about 7 hours. They did a super job of cleaning up after themselves. The next day, a rep came out for an inspection and asked if we had any questions. He gave us the paperwork for the finished job, including the guarantee, and took our check for the work. Very professional and efficient process, and the roof looks great. I highly recommend Custom Exteriors, they do excellent work. - Bob A., Google Reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) * See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews Co-owned by Beverly and Steve Moss, Moss Roofing has been a trusted name in central Indiana for over 30 years. The Indianapolis-based company serves customers in Avon, Bloomington, Brownsburg, Carmel, Fishers, Greenwood, Indianapolis, Noblesville, Westfield and Zionsville. It holds a Master Elite certification from GAF, is a certified installer for Velux and a preferred contractor for Owens Corning. The company is also a James Hardie preferred contractor for siding work. Moss Roofing uses advanced technology, including satellite imagery, to obtain measurements of your roof. It also prefers to conduct in-person estimates, which enable its experts to take pictures and discuss their recommendations with you. Estimates are free and usually scheduled about a week after you request one. We requested a rough estimate for replacing the roof on a 1,200-square-foot home, but the representative we spoke with was reluctant to give an estimate without specific details. The company requires a down payment for projects costing over $20,000 and charges a 3.8% transaction fee for credit card payments. It works with a third-party finance company and accepts checks, credit and debit cards. If Moss Roofing replaces your roof and a storm rolls through with damaging hail where you live, someone will reach out to schedule a free inspection to check for storm damage. It can determine whether the repair is extensive enough to warrant contacting your insurance company. If so, you'll receive a report to share with your insurer, and someone on the Moss Roofing team will guide you through the process of filing a claim to repair or replace your roof. Services offered Roof repair and installation Storm damage repair Gutters Insulation Siding Skylights Expect a crew of between five and eight people to replace your roof, which can take one or two days for the average two-story home. Moss Roofing prioritizes communication and recognizes that not all of its customers are native English speakers, and some are hearing-impaired, relying on American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate. They said it's not unusual for a project manager on site to use Google Translate or text messaging to confirm the customer understands what's happening, or to ask and get questions answered. Moss Roofing offers several different warranty options, with the lowest-tier workmanship warranty covering up to 10 years. The "golden pledge" warranty is up to 15 years and slightly more expensive. The priciest workmanship warranty is good for up to 30 years. Each is added as a line item on your roofing quote. All options include labor and material replacement, and the manufacturer's warranty for the chosen shingles is included at no additional charge. The company also offers Malarkey shingles, a brand that prioritizes sustainability by incorporating upcycled materials, such as plastics and used tires, into its manufacturing process. These shingles have a Class 4 impact rating for hail, 35% higher tear strength, double rain seals and 50% more adhesive bonds. Like the other roofers we spoke to, the company prefers to install new roofs when the temperatures are at least 40 degrees and sunny so the underlayment adhesive sticks well and the shingles lie flat. The company is BBB-accredited with an A+ rating and no registered complaints. It also has a 4.8-star Google rating (208 reviews) and a five-star Yelp rating (five reviews). The company conducts background checks on all employees, including subcontractors. The company told us that all of its subcontractors have worked with Moss Roofing for at least a decade. Moss Roofing is located at 4800 Smith Valley Rd. Suite Q, Greenwood, Ind., 46142. For more information or a free estimate, contact Moss Roofing at 317-527-4393 or visit its website. Customer testimonial Moss Roofing employees are true professionals in every way. They did an excellent tear-off and new roof installation for my home and stand-alone 4-car garage. Bradley Ketchum expertly managed every detail of the project from quotes and sales to interfacing with insurance reps through careful oversight and inspection of the job. Moss must treat their workforce well because the crew was timely, hard-working, respectful and proud of their work. I am so pleased that I chose Moss Roofing. - Larry M., Google Reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) * See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews Will Hull, owner of Honest Abe Roofing, chose to open this franchise because he was impressed by the integrity of the brand and appreciated that it prioritizes customer satisfaction and community involvement. This company uses only premium materials installed by certified employees. It offers an 'invest once' guarantee, promising to make any necessary repairs to your roof due to workmanship errors for free as long as you own your home. The company offers free in-person and remote estimates. The representative we spoke to said they prefer meeting face-to-face to thoroughly explain the options so you have all the necessary information to make an informed choice. If you finance your roof through Honest Abe Roofing, you may qualify for 0% interest for up to two years, and you don't have to pay a deposit. If you pay out of pocket, Honest Abe requires a deposit regardless of whether you pay with cash or a credit card (which carries a 3% transaction fee that can be waived). Honest Abe Roofing offers a variety of roofing products, including polymer-modified shingles, stone-coated steel, standing-seam metal, Enviro-Steel and architectural shingles. The polymer-modified lifetime shingles can withstand hail and have rubberized asphalt for a higher impact rating. They also have an oxide coating that also helps prevent algae growth and can be installed in colder temperatures (under 40°F). Services offered Roof installation, maintenance and repairs Gutter installation, maintenance and repair Insulation maintenance Attic ventilation installation 24/7 emergency roofing services We requested a rough estimate to replace the asphalt single roof on a 1,200-square-foot home and were quoted between $12,000 and $15,000, depending on the chosen shingle. The representative we spoke with said that the actual quote they give won't change, even if the team discovers an issue that wasn't identified during the initial inspection. A typical Honest Abe Roofing crew of four and eight people can replace a roof in one to two days. They'll send a crew of up to 12 people to install a roof on larger houses (think 6,000+ square feet), and those projects could take a few more days. A project manager is on-site during the day to address any concerns or issues. The company uses different types of dumpsters depending on the project, along with netting to protect your home and plants. If you need a permit, the company takes care of it. Like the other companies in this guide, Honest Abe Roofing works with insurance companies if a storm damages your roof. In addition to the manufacturer's warranties, which cover any defects resulting from production, the company offers a 10-year workmanship guarantee that covers any issues with the products or workmanship. 'The most important day for your roof is the day you put it on," the company representative we spoke with told us. "We follow all manufacturer recommendations to ensure your roof qualifies for their warranty, whether it's 30 or 50 years.' All employees are background-checked and the company also carries a $2 million insurance policy. It is not a BBB-accredited business, but it has a 4.9-star Google rating (112 reviews) and a five-star Yelp rating (one review). Honest Abe Roofing is located at 9957 Crosspoint Blvd. Ste. 200, Indianapolis, Ind., 46256. For more information or a free estimate, contact Honest Abe Roofing at 463-946-7663 or visit its website. Customer testimonial Thank you to the team at Honest Abe Roofing Indy! From the beginning to the end of my project! The aluminum soffit looks great!! Ryan and Scott cared about my budget restraint and stayed on point! Thanks also to Jordan for making sure all my details were taken care of! Thanks also to the work crew for their craftsmanship, looks great, guys!! - Robert A., Google Reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) * See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews If you're looking for longevity, look no further than the family-owned and operated Coomer Roofing Company, which has been in business for 70 years. In addition to providing exceptional, hassle-free service, the company is committed to community engagement. Each year, it supports the Indiana Wish, which fulfills the dreams of critically ill children in Indiana. The company also partners with local schools to sponsor students attending Camp Rancho Framasa over the summer, and its school corporation's educational foundation awards grants to local teachers. The sales representative we spoke to said the company offers in-person estimates to accommodate older customers, individuals without email and those new to the process who prefer a more hands-on approach. However, Coomer Roofing also uses satellite imaging technology and platforms like Eagle View to remotely measure roofs and use the data to calculate estimates. The company doesn't require a down payment, but payment is due in full upon completion of the job. Credit cards, cash and checks are accepted, though a 3% transaction fee is applied to any credit card payment exceeding $5,000. The sales rep said that while Coomer Roofing offers financing, a home equity or HELOC likely has lower interest rates. Services offered Roof repairs and replacement Storm damage Siding installation Gutter work Insulation We requested an estimate to replace an asphalt shingle roof on a 1,200-square-foot home. The sales rep provided a ballpark figure of between $10,000 and $12,000, with the caveat that if replacement decking were needed, each additional sheet would add $60 to the overall cost. It takes a crew of six about a day to install a new roof. The company typically uses a dump trailer, netting and magnetic sweepers around your home and driveway to keep it clean. Coomer Roofing offers several different warranties. A five-year labor warranty and manufacturer's warranty are included at no charge. The company offers CertainTeed, GAF, Malarkey and other brands and is an Owens Corning preferred contractor. If you choose the Owens Corning brand, like Duration shingles, you can purchase a preferred protection lifetime warranty, which costs an additional $8 per square (a unit of measurement representing 100 square feet of roof surface). So, if you replaced a 1,200-square-foot roof with this added protection, the more robust warranty would cost $96 more. All employees are background-checked and the company is fully licensed, bonded and insured. It is also BBB-accredited with an A+ rating and has had zero registered complaints. Customers rate it highly as well, with a 4.7-star Google rating (69 reviews) and a five-star Yelp rating (five reviews). Coomer Roofing is located at 6204 S. Harding St., Indianapolis, Ind., 46217. For more information or a free estimate, contact Coomer Roofing Company at 317-648-5401 or visit its website. Customer testimonial Conner, our Coomer salesman, was incredible. He met with our insurance adjuster and fought hard for everything we deserved. I didn't even have to be there for the inspection. After that, he took care of everything. The roof and gutters looked amazing, and both jobs got done faster than I could have imagined. We needed our gutter screens done, too, and he followed through to make sure those got done quickly; they are perfect. The entire experience was first class. I'll never use anyone except for Coomer and never recommend anyone else but Coomer to people. - Jerrod W., Google Reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) * See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews Family-owned and operated, Indianapolis Roofing, LLC, considers itself more than a roofing contractor. It's your neighbor, and it's dedicated to improving the safety, appearance, and value of homes throughout Indianapolis. Project manager Casey Moore told us the company's number one priority is providing exceptional value and customer service. Indianapolis Roofing offers free estimates and uses satellite imaging to measure your roof's total area, rakes, eaves, facets, ridges and hips, to create a pitch diagram and calculate an accurate cost. However, Moore wasn't comfortable giving an estimate without checking out the roof first. However, he added the company doesn't require a down payment for most jobs. Payment is due upon project completion and, unlike a lot of roofers, there is no transaction fee added if you pay with a credit card. Services offered Roof repair, replacement and emergency service New gutter installation or repair Siding installation Restoration Storm inspections Chimney Repair Indianapolis Roofing uses premium materials, including the F Wave brand of sustainable roofing shingles, which has a Class 4 hail warranty and 130-mph wind rating. They are 2.5-times stronger than the leading asphalt shingles, according to Moore. A new roof includes a manufacturer's warranty, which varies in length based on the manufacturer. Your estimate also includes options for a 25-year and a 50-year workmanship warranty. If anything goes wrong with your roof due to an installation error, Indianapolis Roofing will repair it while under the workmanship warranty. The company's teams can have up to 20 people working on the roofs of larger homes, although a crew of up to 10 people is more typical. The crews can complete most new roof replacements in a day. Indianapolis Roofing handles all the logistics, including securing permits, if needed, and coordinating drop-off and pick-up of the dump trailer. A project manager is on site for the majority of your job to document the team's work, ensure the project goes smoothly, and answer any questions. The company conducts background checks on its employees, many of whom have worked there since it opened. The company is not BBB-accredited but does have an A+ rating and zero complaints. It also has a four-star Google rating (139 reviews) and a five-star Yelp rating (1 review). Indianapolis Roofing, LLC is located at 450 E. 96th St., Indianapolis, Ind., 46240. For more information or a free estimate, contact Indianapolis Roofing, LLC. at 317-800-1308 or visit its website. Customer testimonial Indianapolis Roofing has provided me an exceptional service. The work was estimated with a reasonable price, early schedule and the work was top quality. Definitely recommend to friends and family members. - Bao L., Google (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) * See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews When it comes to finding reliable information on local businesses, Yahoo's been at it for years. We don't just say 'trust us;' we put in the effort to earn that trust. Our proprietary ranking methodology evaluates reviews from multiple established platforms to determine our ratings, which we share with you so you can decide which business you trust to work on your roof. Unlike some other sites, we don't take money to rank one company higher than another. Our picks are independent and not influenced by anyone else. Curious to learn more? Visit our full methodology page for more details and check out our full list of Indianapolis roofer ranking criteria below. 45 roofers evaluated 18,600 customer reviews and ratings from five sources Eight ranking criteria Interviewed or connected with all five featured roofers Independent price quotes sourced from all five featured roofing companies Independently researched and fact-checked by Yahoo Recommendations are maintained and updated regularly Ideally, you should inspect your roof at least once a year because Indianapolis weather is variable at best, and the severe weather can wreak havoc on your roof. According to the National Weather Service, central Indiana experiences an average of 13 severe storm watches and 22 tornadoes annually. If you think there may be damage after severe weather, it's best to get an inspection right away to look for damage. All the roofers on our list offer free inspections, and Moss Roofing will proactively reach out to past customers to schedule a quick inspection if a severe storm with significant hail or wind hits their area. For more, read our guide to roof inspection costs. Signs it's time for replacement or repair include leaks in your attic, curled or missing shingles, excessive shingle granules in the gutters and downspouts or visible roof sagging. If you're unsure of your roof's age, a quick call to one of the companies on this list can provide you with a professional inspection to assess its condition. If you're budgeting for roofing work, read our guides on the cost of roof repairs and roof replacements for more. The short answer is it depends. Homeowner's insurance typically does not cover roof repair or replacement resulting from age or poor maintenance. If it's been damaged by hail or wind, a new roof may be covered. Check your policy to see what it covers. The companies we spoke to are accustomed to working with insurance claims and some, like Moss Roofing, have small teams dedicated to helping homeowners coordinate roof repairs and replacements with insurance. If you're wondering whether your insurance policy will cover your roofing costs, read our guide on how to determine if your homeowner's insurance covers roofing damage. The project manager we spoke to at Coomer Roofing Company said the average lifespan of a roof in Indianapolis is 18-20 years. What may shorten your roof's lifespan is the Indiana weather. Indianapolis Roofing offers a shingle product rated for withstanding higher impacts from hailstorms and wind gusts of up to 130 mph. According to Angi, the normal range for roof replacement in Indianapolis is between $5,867 and $13,277. All but one of the roofing companies we spoke to were reluctant to provide an estimate without an in-person inspection, and the one quote we received fell at the higher end of this range. Most of the companies we spoke to have teams of five or more people and estimated that replacing a roof on a 1,200-square-foot house would take one or two days. The companies sometimes combine crews for larger jobs. The project manager for Indianapolis Roofing said he's sent up to 20 people to demolish and install a new roof on some of the city's larger homes. Crews typically arrive between 7 and 8 a.m. to begin the preparation work. You can stay home while they work, but it can get pretty loud. To keep everyone safe and comfortable, pets and small children should stay inside. If your furry friends become stressed by loud noises, such as fireworks or thunderstorms, you may want to consider boarding them or having them spend the day with a friend. If you work from home, try to avoid scheduling meetings. It's also a good idea to remove items hanging on your wall, as vibrations — especially in homes without attics — can sometimes cause them to fall. You can install a roof any time of year, although the materials perform best when the temperatures reach 40 degrees and the weather is sunny. Roofers can make repairs or do a complete replacement in the winter, but the process takes longer. One project manager we spoke with said any time between April and late June is ideal, because the July and August heat can damage the shingles, affect their structural integrity and dislodge the protective granules on their surface. Key questions to ask a roofing contractor include: What their warranties cover and whether they're included at no charge or cost extra Whether they conduct background checks on all employees, including any subcontractors they may hire during the busy season If they carry workman's compensation (all the roofing companies on our list affirmed they do) The types of payments they accept and whether they offer financing in-house or through a third-party vendor How they handle clean-up and protect your property Whether they will share recent testimonials and pictures of recently completed projects For more, read our guide on what questions to ask a roofing company before hiring them. Going with a local roofing contractor can be a smart move. Roofers in central Indiana understand the area's somewhat unpredictable weather and know what your roof must endure. They're also familiar with the local building codes and permitting regulations. Since they're part of the community and many are passionate about giving back, you can check them out on social media and other platforms to get a sense of their reputation before you make your decision. Indiana's permitting requirements are more relaxed than those of other states. Permits vary by city; some require them for all roofing work while others only require them for new construction and not replacements or repairs. If you live in an HOA, subdivision or historic area, the roofers on our list said they'd confirm whether you need a permit and take care of it if necessary. For more details, you can read through our guide on Indiana roofing licensing and regulations. Indianapolis See all Yahoo Local roofing
Indianapolis Star
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Indianapolis Star
IndyCar and IMS President J. Doug Boles takes fans inside his closet
IndyCar and IMS President Doug Boles takes IndyStar on a tour of his suit collection on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in his Indianapolis-area home.
