I am joining forces with Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana to ask YOU to become a champion for our kids!

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana provides safe and enriching environments for young people after school, offering programs focused on academic success, character and leadership development, and healthy lifestyles. Serving over 8,000 youth annually throughout their 10 Clubs in Lake and Porter Counties, they are committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.

As a Clubhouse Hero during the 2025 Clubhouse Hero Challenge from May 25 to June 8, I am competing against other local leaders to see who can raise the most funds to support bright futures for our region’s youth. If I win, I will deliver on a special promise for the kids at one local Club. Your contribution gives our region’s children the tools to become the superheroes of their own stories.

A bit about me...

My journey with basketball began in the youth programs at the East Chicago Katherine House. I attended East Chicago Washington High School, where I had the privilege of playing on the team that won the Indiana state basketball championship in 1971. From there, I went on to play at UCLA under the legendary coach John Wooden, where I was fortunate to contribute to two NCAA national championships in 1973 and 1975. Basketball has always been a central part of my life, and my experiences have shaped who I am today—both as an athlete and as a coach.

In 2007, I had the honor of returning to East Chicago to coach the East Chicago Central High School basketball team to the Indiana state championship. This achievement was particularly meaningful, as it allowed me to give back to the community that had supported me throughout my career. His commitment to the community extended to his coaching career at Indiana University Northwest, where he continued to inspire and mentor young athletes. In 2011, I was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, an incredible honor that reflects my lifelong dedication to the sport. Beyond my playing and coaching career, I’ve also advocated for fairness and inclusion in sports, particularly in sports officiating, and I’m proud to have helped foster opportunities for youth in East Chicago. Basketball has been more than a sport to me—it’s a way to inspire, empower, and connect with others, and I am proud to continue impacting my community through my love for the game and as a Clubhouse Hero for a second year.