SELMA, Ind. — Thursday night, less than two miles north of Wapahani High School, devastation struck. A tornado ripped through neighboring Selma and Winchester, causing destruction and displacing many.
For the Raiders boys basketball team, that means family members, friends, and neighbors were affected all while trying to gear up to go to semi-state this weekend. Now, they're just trying to focus on the task at hand and represent a resilient community.
"Oh my goodness, it was crazy," said Kara Wulff, mother of junior player Logan Wulff.
Family and fans alike tried to keep things normal Friday afternoon as they sent the team off to semi-state.
"We decorated the bus on the inside for the boys, and then we had the crowd here to send them off," she continued. "We're just trying to keep it as normal as it would be for them."
Bob Cook, the father of senior player Nick Cook, agreed. He's lived in the area all his life and said this community comes together — still making the effort to show support for the 24-2 Raiders in their journey to state in the midst of tragedy.
"That's the great part about it. We're a small community, very small, but big hearts and a lot of dedication. It's been fun. It's been fun for them. It was an unfortunate tragedy down there, but once again, we stay together and get through it," Cook explained. "When it happens so quick like that, it's hard to imagine. And again, trying to get our kids focused on what they need to do tomorrow as a team. They'll be ready. I know they'll be ready for sure."
With heavy hearts, the second-ranked Raiders charge on to the Class 2A semi-state in Lafayette Saturday morning, playing North Judson, but more tangibly, playing for something bigger than themselves. Playing for a community now more motivated than ever not only to bring home a state championship — but to pick up the pieces and keep on going.