I ran across a few tidbits on this story when I was doing another project about IHSAA penalties. Not sure if it was the uniqueness of Shelby Shake's name or the fact that someone tried to fight John Wooden, but I scribbled this down about two years ago as a potential research project. Finally got around to doing it, and had a blast uncovering the details. Hope you enjoy this story from 1937.
MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- An exchange of post game haymakers by rival coaches on a cold December night back in 1937 ushered the end of a would-be Hall of Fame career and signaled the start of another..
Coach Shelby Shake and his 1937 Mishawaka squad, #13 is leading scorer Art Van Tone
Veteran Coach Shelby Shake was in the middle of his 11th season leading the Mishawaka Cavemen (also referred to as Maroons at the time.) He had already guided the program to four Sectional titles and one Regional championship during his tenure and would ultimately win a fifth later that next March.
Mishawaka fans were enjoying not only their winning ways, but also their state-of-the-art basketball gym (now called the Cave.) However, what went down on that Friday night in the now-historic gymnasium would be a low point in the season and end an otherwise stellar coaching career.
Mishawaka’s Cave - Opened 1924 and oldest gym in state still in use
Legendary Coach John Wooden was in his first year at South Bend Central, and his Bears were visiting their rivals after previously besting them at home, 35-34, earlier in December. The Northern Indiana High School Conference title was up for grabs that night, and this particular tilt was extra spicy. As the clock ticked down to zero, South Bend had once again upended the Cavemen, 36-32.
Coach John Wooden at South Bend Central
MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- An exchange of post game haymakers by rival coaches on a cold December night back in 1937 ushered the end of a would-be Hall of Fame career and signaled the start of another..
Coach Shelby Shake and his 1937 Mishawaka squad, #13 is leading scorer Art Van Tone
Veteran Coach Shelby Shake was in the middle of his 11th season leading the Mishawaka Cavemen (also referred to as Maroons at the time.) He had already guided the program to four Sectional titles and one Regional championship during his tenure and would ultimately win a fifth later that next March.
Mishawaka fans were enjoying not only their winning ways, but also their state-of-the-art basketball gym (now called the Cave.) However, what went down on that Friday night in the now-historic gymnasium would be a low point in the season and end an otherwise stellar coaching career.
Mishawaka’s Cave - Opened 1924 and oldest gym in state still in use
Legendary Coach John Wooden was in his first year at South Bend Central, and his Bears were visiting their rivals after previously besting them at home, 35-34, earlier in December. The Northern Indiana High School Conference title was up for grabs that night, and this particular tilt was extra spicy. As the clock ticked down to zero, South Bend had once again upended the Cavemen, 36-32.
Coach John Wooden at South Bend Central
