Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Saturday, September 28, 2013
(MITCHELL) - Coaches and players, young and old, will come together this afternoon to lead the Persimmon Festival Parade through downtown Mitchell.
The parade kicks off at 2 p.m.
This years theme chosen by 2013 General Chairwoman Lori Quebbeman is, "Mitchell Athletics - Past, Present and Future."
Her goal is to honor the community's athletic traditions.
Leading the charge will be Paul Stroud and the family of the late Terry Cole.
Cole led the Bluejackets to its only undefeated season 50 years ago and went on to play for Indiana University and three professional football teams.
Stroud, a celebrated basketball player who still holds a few MHS records, was recruited heavily during high school. He chose to play for the Indiana State University Sycamores so he could pursue a career as a teacher and coach. After four years on the hardwood in Terre Haute, he tried out for the two traveling teams that played the Harlem Globetrotters and was chosen. He played for both the Washington Generals and New York Nationals, spending three years traveling around the United States and world playing basketball. Later, he would become a junior college coach for Northwood and Oakland City University before returning to his roots in Mitchell. He coached, taught and served as athletic director for Mitchell before taking administration and coaching positions at West Washington. He retired in 2010.
A float, made by the MHS Art Club, will carry the grand marshals - Gary Seitzinger, who coached in Mitchell Community Schools for 43 years -- 34 as head baseball coach. He'll be joined by his grandson, 8-year-old Ben Seitzinger, who will represent the future Mitchell athletes.
MHS athletes Taylor Mann, Alex Speer and Trevin Grissom will represent current athletes on the grand marshal float.
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