Gene Kaufman, the late founder and owner of Etna Acres Golf Course, was posthumously honored Aug. 16 by the PGA with the 2021 Deacon Palmer Award.

Kaufman’s grandson, Devin Dale, accepted the honor on behalf of his grandfather.

Indiana Golf officials announced on March 10 on its Facebook page:

“Congratulations to our 2021 Deacon Palmer Award winner, Gene Kaufman of Etna Acres GC. The Deacon Palmer Award bestows special recognition on a PGA Golf Professional who personally displays outstanding integrity, character and leadership, in the effort to overcome a major obstacle in their life. This individual is an unsung hero/heroine at their facility and in their community, who serve to inspire, empower and assist others, both inside and outside of the game.

Wabash County’s four high schools went 2-2 on Aug. 20, the opening night of the IHSAA football season.

High school volleyball season is in full swing in Wabash County, with the four IHSAA member schools opening the season last week.

Four second-half Manchester goals turned a 2-1 halftime lead into a dominating 6-2 win over Peru Thursday, Aug. 19.

Michael Ortiz led the Squires with a hat-trick, scoring three goals, while Tyler McLain, Diego Munoz, and Nathaniel Miller each adding one goal.

Miller assisted on three goals, and Owen Kruschwitz and Munoz each had one assist.

The Northfield girls golf team placed first at the Wabash Invitational at Honeywell Golf Course.

Wabash placed second with a 416 followed by Manchester with a 484.

The Lady Norse finished the tournament with a score of 403.

Kyra Kennedy saved her best for last.

It took 11 innings and a 6-6 effort from Kennedy, including the game-winning walk-off single, but the Northfield softball team is heading to the Class 1A state championship game.

The Norse came from behind against Cowan in the Frankfort Semi-State championship game Saturday night, June 5, to pull out a thrilling 3-2 win.

After 3 1/2 scoreless extra innings, with the scored tied 2-2 in the bottom of the 11th inning, Northfield got hot when they needed to.

With one out, Addy Rosen singled on a line drive to right field. Back-to-back walks form Addi Baker and Jenna Krom loaded the bases for Kennedy.

With five hits already in the book, Kennedy hit a dribbler past Cowan pitcher Tatum Ricker, just wide enough to bring home Rosen for the winning run and the semi-state championship.

“This is a huge accomplishment for the seniors because they’ve worked so hard,” Kennedy said after the game. “I’m very proud of this team.”

After four dominating wins and a buzzer-beating classic in the IHSAA boys basketball state tournament series, the Southwood Knights didn’t have an answer for Kouts in the Class 1A North Semi-State game at Lafayette Jefferson Saturday, March 20, falling to the 29-2 Mustangs 86-70, and ending a magical run with a 17-11 record.

The Kouts senior brother tandem of Cole Wireman and Cale Wireman gave Southwood fits, with Cole scoring 29 points on the day, and Cale right behind him with 26 points.

Southwood’s Carson Rich led the Knights with 30 points, but with all Mustang eyes on the senior sharpshooter, he wasn’t ever able to break loose with a knockout punch as he had throughout the tournament.

Southwood appeared to be ready to continue its hot streak by taking a quick 4-0 lead with a basket from Cole Winer followed by a steal and layup from Logan Barley.

An inside score from Dawson Filip and two free throws from Carson Rich gave the Knights an 8-2 lead two minutes into the contest, but Kouts answered back.

Cole Wireman scored four points and Cale Wireman added two in an 8-2 run to tie the game at 10-10.

Carson Rich and Cale Wireman traded three-pointers, then Winer and the Mustang’s Hunter Kneifel traded baskets, with Kneifel adding a free throw on a three-point play, giving Kouts a 16-15 lead with 3:01 left in the first quarter.

After cruising to wins of 49 and 79 points in their first two tournament contests, the Southwood Knights went into the Class 1A Sectional 53 championship game looking for a little bit of the same against Lakeland Christian Academy Saturday night, March 6.

After a tight back-and-forth with LCA, the Knights turned a 20-20 second-quarter tie into a 69-44 sectional championship victory to advance to the Frankfort Regional this Saturday.

LCA proved early that they weren’t going to let the Knights get off to the quick and dominating starts they enjoyed in their first two wins over Southern Wells and North Miami.

Southwood’s Carson Rich hit two baskets and Dawson Filip connected on another to give the Knights a 6-2 lead, followed by back-to-back buckets from Connor Rich and Carson Rich for a 10-5 advantage.

LCA regrouped and took a 13-12 lead early in the second quarter and played neck-and-neck with the Knights, tying the game at 20-20 with 3:33 left in the first half.