News Summary

The Cabby O’Neill Gymnasium in Jasper, Indiana, has been beautifully restored, preserving its 86-year history. Once at risk of demolition, community efforts renewed this beloved venue, which now serves as a vibrant hub for various sports and events, reflecting the town’s rich athletic legacy.

Cabby O’Neill Gymnasium Rescued and Refurbished, Celebrates 86 Years of Local History

In the charming town of Jasper, Indiana, the echoes of basketball games from days gone by blend with the sounds of modern activities at the recently refurbished Cabby O’Neill Gymnasium. After years of uncertainty, this beloved venue has been brought back to life, celebrating an impressive 86 years of local history and community spirit.

A Walk Down Memory Lane

As the freshly polished wood floor gleams under the bright lights, residents like 86-year-old John Hoffman take a moment to reflect on their childhood memories of this gym. Having attended St. Joseph school in the late 1940s and early ’50s, Hoffman recalls the excitement of watching basketball games unfold on that very floor. He shares vivid memories of the cheering crowd and the electric atmosphere, bringing a sense of nostalgia to those familiar with the gym’s storied past.

The gym first opened its doors on November 3, 1939, coinciding with the first game coached by Leo “Cabby” O’Neill. That night, Jasper’s team triumphed over rival Huntingburg in a nail-biting overtime match, setting the stage for the gym’s legacy. Under O’Neill’s leadership, the Jasper basketball program flourished, racking up nine sectional titles and a 1949 state championship. His impressive coaching career at the gym yielded an overall record of 247 wins and 76 losses, with a remarkable 148-32 record ringing through the rafters of his namesake gym.

A Part of Community Heritage

Originally built at the cost of $100,000 with help from the Work Projects Administration, Cabby O’Neill Gymnasium served as the home for Jasper High School basketball until 1977. It continued to serve the local community by hosting middle school games until 2003. Unfortunately, after falling vacant for several years, there were discussions in 2009 about the gym’s potential demolition. Fortunately, local advocates rallied together to preserve this piece of history.

A passionate community effort, spearheaded by groups like the Friends of Cabby O’Neill Gym, raised an astounding $300,000 over time to restore the gym. This included raising $150,000 just for the first phase of restoration. Countless volunteer hours went into essential repairs, including replacing the boiler, reconnecting plumbing, and upgrading the lighting. One dedicated volunteer, Rick Begle, even took on the task of glazing the windows, bringing the nostalgic space back to life.

The excitement of basketball returned to Cabby O’Neill Gymnasium as it hosted its first high school game in 33 years on November 27, 2010. This game marked a moment of history as Caleb Begle scored the gym’s first basket since 1977, creating a direct connection between generations. Just a few months later, the gym was chosen as the home court for the Jasper Wildcats after the high school gym roof collapsed.

More Than Just Basketball

Today, Cabby O’Neill Gymnasium is an active hub of community life, playing host to cheerleading and dance practices, middle school basketball games, wrestling teams, community events, and even pickleball tournaments. The renovated gym, which can now accommodate approximately 2,500 spectators, retains the charm and vibrancy it had in its early days.

While it once boasted a capacity of 3,200, the layout has shifted since restoration, yet the spirit of the gym remains unchanged. With the sounds of cheering fans and the memories of old games still lingering in the air, this venue has become a treasured landmark in Jasper. Many community members emphasize how important small gyms like Cabby O’Neill are to the culture and legacy of Indiana high school basketball.

As the community unites to celebrate the gem that is the Cabby O’Neill Gymnasium, it stands as a testament to the love, dedication, and pride of the people of Jasper. The gym not only showcases the rich history of local athletics, but it also serves as a reminder of how community spirit can preserve cherished spaces for future generations to enjoy.

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