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Friday, March 29, 2024

We are the Titans

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In Greek mythology, the famed Titans were larger than life deities who were known for their immortality and unconquerable strength. In Indianapolis, the Tech Titans from Arsenal Technical High School will most likely go down in history much the same way.

Their highly documented state basketball championship win is the stuff legends are made of, as they became the first IPS school to win the title in over three decades.

Beyond the game, these young men have overcome unimaginable feats and inspired generations both young and old.

ā€œTheyā€™ve inspired a lot more people than they know,ā€ said head coach Jason Delaney as he told the story of a former Tech student who was motivated to complete his high school education as a result of being inspired by the teamā€™s dedication to scholarship.

Delaney said during his time with the team, he has placed a huge emphasis on creating an environment that is based on respect, discipline and love for one another and the community they live in. The team frequently volunteers by visiting area hospitals and participating in various charity events.

ā€œWe do so much to give back because these guys are in such a great position ā€“ they get their name in the paper, they got to play on ESPN. So itā€™s a chance for them to give back to people as well,ā€ their coach said.

In addition to staying active in the community, the ā€˜T-Boyzā€™ as they are affectionately referred to by fans and supporters, have been able to maintain a team grade point average of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. Delaney said one of the keys to their overall success has been their willingness to step up and be the most positive reflections of themselves.

ā€œIPS, Tech ā€¦ most of the time when you see it on the news itā€™s something negative. These kids have shown that itā€™s cool and itā€™s OK to be good students, itā€™s OK to give back to your community, and itā€™s OK to be yourself,ā€ said Delaney. ā€œThese guys show that itā€™s OK to work hard for dreams and goals.ā€

The Recorder sat down with four of these exceptional young men as they reflected on their personal stories of triumph.

Clarence Walker, point guard, sophomore:

Walker, who is the only sophomore on the squad, said winning state was something heā€™d always imagined. ā€œIā€™ve been playing basketball all my life and I always dreamed of winning the state championship ā€“ I always dreamed of coming here and winning and it actually ended up happening.ā€

He shared that the game helped keep him on track scholastically as well as personally. A cousin of Walkerā€™s was a victim of youth violence when he was shot as a result of mistaken identity. ā€œItā€™s a lot going on; a lot of people are going through different things,ā€ said Walker, who credits his senior teammates, coaches and his father, who was a college athlete, with instilling in him the wisdom to continue making the right choices.

When asked what drives his passion for the game of basketball he said, ā€œThe gym. Thatā€™s where I want to be. I donā€™t want to be out in the streets, or out partying ā€“ it could be a whole lot of things I could be doing that would get me in trouble, but I would just rather be here. I want to be successful.ā€

Walker said his future plans include dreams of playing in the NBA as well as studying sports medicine.

Devin Mickens, point guard, senior:

Mickens, who plans to attend Indiana State University to study mechanical engineering, said one of the best lessons he learned during his time as a Titan was to ā€œget comfortable with being uncomfortable.ā€

Although he was a member of the team all four years, the 2013-2014 season was the only one he spent on varsity. ā€œIt was a great transition,ā€ said Mickens. ā€œThe work was hard ā€“ sometimes I wanted to give up, but I just kept going because I knew it would be better for me.ā€

He said that experience is one that will follow him.

He also said itā€™s important to share the things heā€™s learned with his younger brother. ā€œI donā€™t want him to make the mistakes I did when I was younger,ā€ he remarked when speaking about his past behavioral struggles.

Mickens, who comes from a single parent household said he is inspired to succeed because of the love and support from his mother and grandmother. ā€œI give everything to my Mom,ā€ he said. ā€œShe raised me well and I thank her for that.ā€

Jeremie Tyler, shooting guard, senior:

Tyler, a self-described shy guy, said the great familial bond he and his teammates have with one another has been their defense against negativity.

ā€œSome people thought we were babied, but we worked hard for everything we have,ā€ said Tyler. ā€œItā€™s been a great run with these guys. Iā€™ve been playing with some of them for about four years and weā€™re all great friends. We joke around but when itā€™s time to be serious we can do that too.ā€

Tyler, who began playing organized basketball when he was in sixth grade said he was inspired by his uncles, who also played in high school, namely Mike Woodson former coach of the New York Knicks. Tyler said being a Titan has made him ā€œa better character on and off the court.ā€

ā€œIt was really hard for me when I was younger, I lived in a neighborhood with high crime and there was a lot going on,ā€ said Tyler.

His mother moved him and his older sibling from the cityā€™s Eastside to live in his grandparentsā€™ home when he was in the seventh grade. Tyler said the transition was initially difficult, but he is grateful that his grandparents put a huge emphasis on responsibility as it has molded him into the young man he is today.

ā€œIā€™ve worked hard for everything I have now and itā€™s a blessing that God has given me this chance,ā€ he said.

He shared that his future goals, beyond the court, lie in the world of entrepreneurship. ā€œI want to own my own shoe store, I love shoes,ā€ he said, adding that he has a pretty expansive personal collection. ā€œI talked to one of my friends and both of our initials are J.T., so weā€™re thinking about opening a store called ā€˜J.T. Shoes.ā€™ā€

Rashaun Richardson, power forward, senior:

On the subject of their historic win, Richardson said, ā€œItā€™s been great. Itā€™s a feeling everybody wishes they had in high school, but only the elite teams get to have.ā€

He also shared that the road to state was one the Titans didnā€™t take alone as he recalled a time in years past where there was much rivalry among other teams in the I.P.S. Athletic Conference. ā€œThis year everyone got behind us and supported us.ā€

He also said that he believes they helped change the minds of many across the city about what it means to be an IPS student. ā€œSome people think we donā€™t have any home training,ā€ said Richardson. ā€œWe have kids with 4.0s just like other schools.ā€

He said that one of his most memorable moments with the team was one of their visits to Riley Hospital for Children. ā€œI remember when we went to Riley and spoke with the kids. To see how happy they were really touched me. I didnā€™t think that we had an impact on them like that.ā€

Richardson, a native of Michigan City, Ind., said that the transition to Indianapolis was a challenge for him. He resides only with his father, as his mother lives in another city. ā€œIt was hard to adjust, but I knew it was for the better,ā€ said Richardson.

The future Ball State University Cardinal said he admittedly didnā€™t take the game of basketball seriously when he started on junior varsity his sophomore year. ā€œTo be honest, I wasnā€™t really into basketball like I am now.ā€

As he jokingly referenced his height, he stands at 6ā€™8ā€, and said he realized he needed to find something to do and that the sport drew his attention and changed his attitude.

Richardson said the camaraderie and strict expectations have made him ā€œa lot more disciplinedā€ and helped him to understand the importance of priorities. ā€œItā€™s hard work, but you can never be afraid to work.ā€

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