By Chris Lowry, Sports Journal of Central Indiana

KNIGHTSTOWN – It seems everywhere you turn, there’s a new Star Wars-themed advertisement. Companies are rushing to come up with its own Star Wars promotion both in-store and on TV. As a Star Wars fan myself, I like seeing some of the hype, but even I have to admit it can be a bit much. Just like Star Wars, there is another famed movie that has stood the test of time and is seeing a renewed interest without the presence of a new blockbuster, and I don’t see myself ever becoming weary of its hype.

“Hoosiers” was released in 1986, and now 30 years later, the charm of rural, smalltown Indiana hoops still rings true. In 1921, the Knightstown Gym was erected and, according to the Hoosier Gym website, the home team Falcons played there until the mid-1960’s. The gym sat virtually vacant after that for roughly two decades as Knightstown moved into a more modern facility. After the gym was featured prominently in “Hoosiers,” fans started taking notice of the hardwood relic, but it wasn’t until more recently that promoters have been able to successfully capitalize on what multiple media outlets have tabbed “the best sports movie of all-time.”

Eleven years ago, the old Knightstown Gym hosted its first annual Hoosiers Reunion All-Star Classic contest where top high school senior talent from across Indiana play in a girls-boys doubleheader. A “Terhune” and a “Hickory” squad, just like in the film, wear old-style throwback uniforms, and local cheerleaders also wear 1950’s style outfits to help complete the nostalgia. Fans cram into the 665-seat venue that looks virtually untouched from the way it was portrayed in 1985. I have had the chance to attend the All-Star Classic three different times and can assure you that it is a “must-see” attraction for any hardcore basketball aficionado.

Fortunately, there are more opportunities than ever to catch a game at Knightstown. The Hoosier Gym now hosts practices and games for high school teams across the state. This Saturday, a pair of area teams will be playing IHSAA games at the Hoosier Gym as both the Taylor and Tipton boys teams get to take part in the all day festivities. If I have a blast just watching a game there, I can only imagine what it would be like to actually shoot hoops at the famed venue!

What has really catapulted the popularity of the movie recently, however, has been the Indiana Pacers nod to the state’s heritage. For 10 games this season, the Pacers are wearing “Hickory” uniforms and honoring basketball teams and players instrumental in the state’s hoops lore. As is the case with nearly any sports theme, merchandise sales also figured to play a prominent role. If my experience is any indication, the Pacers Hickory gear was a hot commodity this holiday season. After searching for a particular Hickory shirt that was sold out, I asked a Pacers Home Court gift shop worker if the Hickory gear had been selling well. After looking at me like I was crazy, he confirmed my suspicions that the NBA movie apparel was a fan favorite.

Adults are oftentimes quick to complain about how kids don’t appreciate or understand the history of various subjects. The recent explosion of popularity for “Hoosiers” is a natural way for coaches and parents to teach youngsters about the history of high school hoops in the state. Regardless of your affinity for state history, or even the movie itself, two things are certain: the Hickory gear is some fine looking swag and any event promoting Indiana basketball is a good thing.