(12-13-23) A tradition that is special to Eastside continued last night as they celebrated the ‘Old Gym‘. Keeping history alive is important especially in these days when sometimes we forget the past.

1936 Butler HS yearbook –

Story Courtesy Eastside Athletic Department —

Eastside Rocks the Old Gym on Throwback Night

(12-12-23) The “Throwback Game” did not disappoint on Tuesday night as the Blazers welcomed Lakewood Park to the “Old Gym” for a one of a kind Hoosier Hysteria type of night. The girls varsity team got things started with an 18 point victory and the boys made sure to keep that same mojo going as they came out on top 56 to 38. After a slow start yet again in the first quarter the boys were able to take a deep breath and tie things up at 13 by the end of the quarter behind three 3 pointers from Clay Minnick. The second quarter was all Eastside as Minnick hit another three along with a 3 from Loden Johnson who was coming off his career high the game before giving the Blazers a 28 to 22 lead at the half. Eastside held the Panthers to just 1 field goal the last 4 minutes and 30 seconds of the second quarter.

The second half Eastside came out swinging winning the quarter by 9 with Clay scoring 8. The final frame was back and forth but the Blazers won the quarter by 3 to bring the victory to 18 points. Offensively Minnick led the way with 21 points and 6 steals, Noah Acquaviva added 10 points on 5 of 8 shooting along with 14 rebounds, and Loden Johnson had 9 points all from three point range, but the offensive side of the ball doesn’t tell the whole picture as once again the defense is what brought home the win. After coming out slow to start, a quick change in defenses brought a spark to close out the first quarter and the Blazers carried that energy the rest of the way. Eastside was able to hold the Panthers to just 38 points while shooting 29% on the game including only allowing 4 players to score. 

Along with the nostalgia of simply playing in the “Old Gym” Athletic Director Aaron Willard made the entire night one the community, coaches, and players won’t forget from recognizing the football and cross country teams for their excellent fall seasons, to hula-hoop contest, moon-walking dance off, and a one of a kind Michael Jackson impersonator between games, the entire production of Tuesday night was fantastic. Looking ahead for the Blazers, we will start our over a month long road trip (38 days between home games) Friday night at Lakeland for an NECC showdown. The Lakers currently sit at 2-2 overall and 1-1 in conference play. They are averaging 56 points per game while giving up 51 points a game.

​A look back at other ‘Throwback Games’

From 2021—

From 2020—

Adams Central To Play Eastside In ‘Throw Back Game’

Other high school gyms full of history…