In the 1975 and 1976 school years, the Rushville Consolidated High School’s (RCHS) boys’ basketball program reached its pinnacle.

The 1974-75 team went 23-4, ending their season among the final eight teams remaining in the state as Semi-State Finalists and cultivating a county-wide case of basketball fever for the next season.

The following year, the Lions went even farther, starting 17-0, finished the regular season 19-1 and winning seven more postseason games in the sectional, regional and semi-state, reaching the Indiana High School Athletic Association championship game at Market Square Arena on March 27, 1976.  Although Marion High School beat the Lions in the championship game, 82-76, Rush County welcomed their return by lining the streets and cheering with overwhelming pride.

The Lions’ 49 wins over those two seasons are the most in any two-years period in school history. Rushville went 19-1 on their home floor over those years; games at Memorial Gym were sold out frequently. The gym roared with so much excitement each game, making it impossible for officials to hear the scoreboard. To compensate, a blank hand gun, normally used for track meets, was fired to announce the signals from the scoreboard. The Lions were state-ranked, even garnering a visit from legendary Indiana University coach Bob Knight to a game at Memorial Gym.

Fans trekked to out-of-town games on chartered Greyhound buses. They were committed to show their support — no matter how far.

One student from the class of 1976 remembers, “basketball was everything.” The intense community pride entangled with the teams’ successes inspired this student to create something special.

This person has asked to be referred to as the Student of 1976 to remain anonymous.

With the help of a few others, the Student of 1976 decided to establish the RCHS Class of 1975 Community Fund and the RCHS Class of 1976 Community Fund at RCCF. Both are unrestricted funds and were a part of Lilly Endowment’s GIFT VIII matching funds initiative, which will support the Rush County Community as needs arise.

**last updated 12/16/2025**

They have created a friendly competition between each graduating class to pay tribute to the spirit of the time as the 50-year anniversaries of these seasons approach. The ‘Hometown Throwdown’ will begin in the middle of August 2025, and each class will battle for one year to earn points for donating to their class’s fund.

Inspired by the basketball theme, donation sizes will represent the sport’s scoring system.

• Donations of $10-$100 – the free throw – will earn 1 point for the class
• Donations of $101-$200 – the lay-up – will earn 2 points for the class
• Donations of $201-$300 – the three-pointer – will earn 3 points for the class

Going beyond the scoring rules of basketball, but in the spirit of philanthropy,

• Gifts of $301-$400 – the half-court shot – will earn 4 points for the class
• A gift of $401-$500 – the full court show – will earn 5 points for the class

Score updates will be posted quarterly on each class’s Facebook pages: RCHS Class of 1975 and RCHS Class of 1976. The scoreboard will also be posted on the RCCF website.

For the duration of the competition and beyond, donations can be made to commemorate anniversaries, celebrations and achievements. Donations can also be made to honor someone’s life and memory.

The Student of 1976 wanted to give back to their community by creating a fund at RCCF because they have “I have seen the good that has come from the organization over the past 34 years. The trustworthy board has proven their worth,” they said. The fruition of the Love Community Center and the perpetual motion in the community inspired them to design and organize their own campaign to support Rush County.

“I want Rush County to continue to thrive and stay alive,” they said. “Life’s about having fun along the way… It’s just trying to keep the ball rolling.”

To earn points in the Hometown Throwdown competition for your favorite team, donate to the RCHS Class of 1975 Community Fund or the RCHS Class of 1976 Community Fund. Bragging rights are on the line!