Editor’s note: This story has been updated to correct Steve Moriarty’s title.
By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
MENTONE — Rita Price took in the moment without saying a word.
The sports broadcasting legend who has spent 50 years providing play-by-play, insights and heartfelt analysis for Tippecanoe Valley High School sports, found herself Friday night sitting on the basketball court named after her — The Rita Price Simpson Court — absorbing speeches acknowledging her place in the school’s history.
The 82-year-old Price, who continues to work for WRSW radio, heard a series of short speeches from Girls Basketball Coach Rebekah Parker, Boys Basketball Coach Joe Luce and Football Coach Steve Moriarty as well as compliments from a spokesman for 3rd District Congressman Marlin Stutzman whose comments were entered into the Congressional record earlier in the week.
Price’s sports broadcasting career began in 1975 and paralleled the emergence of Indiana girls high school sports.
Parker praised Price’s talents.
“You are so good at what you do, it’s absolutely like you bring the game to life, like you’re right there watching it,” she said.
Luce and Parker both conveyed messages from Indiana sports dignitaries and several former standout players for Valley, including Trey Eaton, the boys basketball’s all-time scoring leader.
Eaton’s message: “Rita, your voice was more than just commentary. It is the heartbeat of every Valley basketball game, the soundtrack of Valley’s greatest moments, and the steady presence through every high and low throughout the last 4,000-plus games. Thank you for everything you’ve done for Valley.”
Moriarty talked about the bond his family shares with Rita and her family and the far-reaching impact her words have had.
“From the back streets of Burket, all the way to Athens, Sevastapol, even to Atwood and the main streets in Akron — and even the Java Jacks with your Pink Flamingo — they’ve always been there for you and you’ve been there for us. You’ve been embedded in our community.”
He added, “Those crisp fall nights, you have (been) the voice of Death Valley Football. You are the voice of Death Valley Football.”
Pat Miller, representing Stutzman’s office, expressed appreciation for Price’s legacy.
Miller reminded the audience that Price has been with WRSW radio for 65 years and is a Hall of Fame inductee with the Indiana High School Basketball, Indiana Broadcasters Association, Kosciusko County Basketball — and on top of that — is a former Woman of the Year recipient with Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce
“That’s quite a milestone and Rita is truly a remarkable woman,” Miller said.
Mentone sits in the middle of Indiana’s 2nd Congressional District which is represented by Rudy Yakym.
While Stutzman’s Third District covers northeast Indiana, Miller explained afterward that the two Congressional offices agreed to allow Stutzman to honor Price because the old 3rd District used to include the school before redistricting years ago.
Shirts commemorating Price’s impact on Valley sports were distributed before the game and worn by fans, staff and the basketball team during warm-ups.
The ceremony was held shortly before the start of the varsity game against Huntington North, which was won by Tippecanoe Valley, 58-38.
Asked why she chose not to address the crowd, Price said she was eager to get the game started.
After Friday night’s game, She and her broadcast partner, Baylen Hite, would be headed to Logansport Saturday morning to cover all three games of the girls semi-state that includes Whitko for the first time in school history.
Price downplayed her legacy just a bit.
“It is true, if you stay around long enough, good things will happen to you,” Price said.
“I’m very humbled by all of it,” she said. “You know, I never did this for that, but it sure is nice.”
