After losing five strong seniors last year, a young team works to make their mark, and while making their mark on the court, their impact off the court has not gone unseen. While balancing games, practices, and school, the team still finds time to make a difference in their community.
During the season opener against Shortridge, the team held a sock drive in the lobby of the school’s Ascension Saint Vincent Gymnasium. Later in the season, when playing Covenant Christian, the team steered away from socks and, this time, collected gloves.
“It felt great knowing how much of an impact all the donated gloves and socks really do for the less fortunate,” said junior Luke Greene.
The team collected 400 pairs of socks and 2,500 pairs of gloves. All were later donated to Beggars for the Poor, a foundation in downtown Indianapolis that helps the homeless community.
Head coach Jamin Wernke leads the team but does not take credit for this work.
“I’m so proud of these boys, this team, and our community. This is not something that I’ve led. This has been led by our players and their families,” Wernke said.
Organizer of the drives is Lori Taylor, mother of sophomore Joe Taylor.
“The boys basketball sock and glove drive are great examples of Roncalli’s commitment to being the ‘Life Prep School.’ So proud of the team for forging the relationship with Beggars for the Poor and committing to making the season more than basketball,” Taylor said.
The school strives to include service and giving into every aspect of a student’s high school careers, and one senior has really experienced that with his team.
“It made me feel good that I was directly impacting my community. It is nice to know that I am a part of a team where kids will take time out of their evening to do such a thing,” senior Charlie Elsener said.
The Royals finished their season 15-10 after a tough loss in the sectional final. On and off the court they are working to become better basketball players and better people, serving their community and most importantly, God.
