Memories Of A Muncie Fieldhouse In Limbo

Muncie Central High School’s Fieldhouse was heavily damaged by a tornado earlier this month, leading the school district to shelve use of the historic building.  But the building has actually been structurally troubled for years after deferred maintenance.  As officials and insurance companies look inside the Fieldhouse, IPR’s Tony Sandleben looks into its history with a lifelong Muncie resident.

Muncie Central High School’s historic Fieldhouse.  First built in 1928, it has hosted games and graduation ceremonies.  It now has a hole in its roof and water damage to its interior after a rare tornado swept through Muncie.

The school district still doesn’t have an estimate for the damage, how long repairs may take, or if repairing the building is even possible.

“It just upsets me that something would happen to this.”

Diana Crouse graduated from high school in the Fieldhouse.  She and her brothers are all alumni of Muncie Central.  She says her brothers competed in athletic events there as well, but she could not get enough of the basketball games.

“I think the most famous game was when we played Anderson.  Out of the four brothers I have, I’m the only girl so I had to be the rowdy one.”

McKinley Junior High used to be right across the street from the Fieldhouse.  Crouse said when she and her brothers went there, they often crossed the parking lot to go to gym and other classes as well as school dances in the old Fieldhouse.

“It reminds me of my days in high school that I wish I was still in being the age I am, 61, just so many years.”

Muncie Mayor Dennis Tyler says repairing the building will likely take a collaborative effort.

“Bearcats are pretty strong,” Tyler said, “and will figure out a way to come back from it.”

The mayor’s optimism is not unfounded.  The Fieldhouse is insured for $10 million.  Until it gets fixed, Muncie Central’s basketball team has moved its practices and games to Southside Middle School.  But Crouse says that gym simply does not compare.

“It’s a totally different atmosphere.  It just won’t be the same.”