Indiana
Curt Cignetti on Big Ten Network: Everything Indiana coach said in first media appearance
![Curt Cignetti on Big Ten Network: Everything Indiana coach said in first media appearance](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/authoring/authoring-images/2023/11/30/PIND/71755488007-ap-22310131879527.jpg?auto=webp&crop=4622,2601,x0,y240&format=pjpg&width=1200)
About an hour before his introductory news conference in Bloomington, new Indiana coach Curt Cignetti made an appearance on the Big Ten Network’s live show in Indianapolis ahead of Saturday’s Big Ten championship game.
Cignetti was announced as the Hoosiers’ 30th coach on Thursday and closed out his interview Friday by predicting that, exactly a year from now, Indiana will be preparing to play at Lucas Oil Stadium for the conference championship next season.
REQUIRED READING: Curt Cignetti off to strong staffing start, will bring JMU coordinators with him to IU
“I figured I had to make this trip up here since we’ll be playing in this game next year,” Cignetti said.
The 62-year-old coach was hired away from James Madison, where he led the Dukes to a 11-1 record this season, 19-4 FBS record and an overall mark of 52-9 in five seasons (including three seasons at the FCS level).
Here’s the best of what Cignetti said in his first media appearance since taking the Indiana job:
More: Curt Cignetti’s to-do list: IU coach must juggle transfer portal, staffing, JMU bowl game
What Indiana’s Curt Cignetti said on Big Ten Network
Why he left James Madison for Indiana
“I had a great thing going and loved the people, but this was a challenge. In life, you got to make hard decisions, you only grow when you’re uncomfortable. I’m too young to quit growing. I’ve had turnarounds in terms of records that were worse than this. And it’s in the Big Ten which, right now, Big Ten and SEC (are) one and two, right? So, it’s doable. We got a blueprint and a plan. You do it with people. and looking forward to it.”
What he learned from James Madison success
“It’s validation that the process works and our way of doing things work. And I’ll hire a good nucleus of guys from that stuff and the philosophy of how we do things won’t change much. Everybody wants to improve their processes daily, right? You don’t want to do things the same way, you want to continue growing so you’re not getting caught and passed up.
“The key is you got to get it done now and avoid complacency. You have a sense of urgency. And in my situation right now, we have a lot to get done in a short amount of time.”
What he learned on Nick Saban’s first Alabama staff?
Cignetti was the recruiting coordinator and receivers coach at Alabama from 2007-10.
“I learned so much. My dad was a hall of fame coach, there’s a lot of him in me. But after one year with Coach (Nick) Saban, I had learned more about being a head coach and how to run a program (than) in the previous 28 years. And it was a great experience.”
High school recruiting philisophy
“Lot of good players out there, right? My thing is recruiting guts with character, a foundation of habits. It’s all about recruiting and development, not retention, obviously. I like performance over potential. I’m old fashioned, I look at the transcripts to see how many absences are on there. Those are the kind of guys I want because here’s the deal: You get 11 guys doing their job, it’s not addition, it’s multiplication.”
What style of play Indiana fans can expect
“Physical, relentless, a team that plays hard one play at a time. Stop the run, explosive plays. … Our teams have played smart, disciplined, and we’ve been the least penalized team in the league the last two, three years, which wasn’t the case when I took over JMU. … Our guys, they play hard and physical.”
Balance of coaching James Madison bowl game, working at Indiana
“It’s going to be 90 percent Indiana. I’m going to be at the bowl game, I may be there a day or two before the bowl game. (JMU athletic director Jeff Bourne) and I agreed, let’s be nimble on our feet. … I’m not going to have much of a rule in preparation.”
How his Indiana staff building is forming
“I’m probably 70, 80 percent there.”
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Indiana
Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration, which starts earlier than usual, is in full swing
![Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration, which starts earlier than usual, is in full swing](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2021/12/06/PIND/4e70c307-f26d-4306-bdb4-05c6a953d0d8-cent02c-7gkp98bfxg018m1xc71w_original.jpg?auto=webp&crop=1428,804,x0,y0&format=pjpg&width=1200)
Indiana Black Expo Vernice Williams has served for decades
Catching up with early Indiana Black Expo organizer Vernice Williams on June 30, 2021.
Michelle Pemberton, Indianapolis Star
The Summer Celebration is on.
The Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration 2024 kicked off Thursday with an ecumenical service at Kingdom Apostolic Ministries, 4900 E. 38th St. and is in full swing through June 30.
That means films, art exhibits and concerts celebrating Black American culture, along with conferences and summits focused on business, health education and youth leadership.
The Summer Celebration is one of the major events produced by Indiana Black Expo, a nonprofit organization that promotes social and economic advancement of African Americans through year-round initiatives, including its Black Business Training Institute, Scholarship Fund, Performing Arts Academy and Community Learning Hub.
If you think it seems early for Black Expo, you’re not wrong. Normally Summer Celebration takes place in July but this year it’s a few weeks earlier because another large event is coming to town next month.
Here’s what to know about the 53rd Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration:
The 2024 Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration is in June
This year’s events, including a three-day exhibition at the Indiana Convention Center, take place June 20-30, to accommodate the National Eucharistic Congress being held at Lucas Oil Stadium July 17-21.
Indiana Black Expo will go back to its traditional July dates next year.
2024 Indiana Black Expo: Summer Celebration will come early this year
Celebrities appearing at the 2024 Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration
Notables are appearing at various conferences, receiving awards and performing throughout the Summer Celebration. Look for:
- Atlantic Starr, recording artists
- Kid Capri, DJ and producer
- Morris Day and The Time, recording artists
- Rick Fuson, recently retired Pacers Sports & Entertainment chief executive officer
- Johnny Gill, recording artist
- Ed Gordon, broadcaster and BET/CBS Special Correspondent
- Ginuwine
- Lalah Hathaway, recording artist
- Joe Hogsett, Indianapolis mayor
- Edgerrin James, Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Indianapolis Colt
- Next, recording artists
- Soledad O’Brien, journalist and documentarian
- Leon Robinson, actor
- Karyn White, recording artist
IBE Film Festival
4 p.m., June 22
Indiana Black Expo, 601 N. Shortridge, Indianapolis
The annual fest has IBE screening independent films produced and written by African American and African filmmakers. The event is free and features discussions about selected titles and filmmaking in general.4 p.m. – Opening Remarks and Welcome4:05 p.m. – Short film screening: “Rasheeda’s Freedom Day”4:40 p.m. – Short film screening: “Black Girls Play”4:58 p.m. – Panel discussion5:28 PM – Feature film screening: “Black Barbie”
IBE Business Conference
June 24-25
Indiana Convention Center
This conference allows business owners to hear from key decision-makers about business development initiatives and multi-million dollar contracting opportunities as well as learn tips on doing business with public, private and international companies.
It includes a mayor’s breakfast and a governor’s awards reception.
Register at indianablackexpo.com/ibe-business-conference/.
IBX Youth Entrepreneur Series
9 a.m., June 25
Indiana Convention Center, Room 236-238
The IBX Youth Entrepreneur Series (YES) introduces middle and high school students to the basic concepts, activities and skills necessary for launching, leading, and growing a successful business. Workshops will help participants develop comprehensive business plans and prepare pitches that will be presented in competitions for prizes.
Register at summercelebration.net.
IBE Education Conference
June 27
Indiana Convention Center
The educational summit provides a platform for educators to explore innovative strategies and learn best practices to create a more equitable and impactful educational system.Keynote speakers are journalist O’Brien and Dr. Kymyona Burk, the senior policy fellow for early literacy at the Foundation for Excellence in Education.
Register at indianablackexpo.com/ibe-education-conference.
Black & Minority Health Fair
June 27-30
Indiana Convention Center
The annual health fair aims to increase minority awareness of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, hypertension and cancer, and how to prevent them.
It offers free health screenings and services; wellness resources; and engaging fitness activities for the Black and minority communities.
June 27 is a special night for seniors.
Admission is free.
Mental Health Symposium
June 27, June 29
Indiana Convention Center
The Indiana Black Expo will introduce its Mental Health Symposium to the Summer Celebration this year.
The two-day educational series, in partnership with the Indiana State Department of Health, is part of IBE’s new year-round mental health educational series meant to boost knowledge of and address the stigma about brain health, particularly among Black Indianapolis residents.
Journalist Ed Gordon will host the event.
Part one of the symposium will take place 4:45-5:30 p.m. June 27 during the Black & Minority Health Fair, when expert panelists will discuss the importance of self-care and how to seek mental health support when needed for seniors and senior caregivers. Part two will take place 12-2 p.m. June 29 in the 500 Ballroom of the Indiana Convention Center. Topics will include the basics of brain health; lifestyle choices; cognitive decline and dementia management; and navigating healthcare systems and resources.
Caregivers, friends and family members of individuals who have experienced mental health challenges, medical professionals, policymakers, community leaders and mental health advocates are encouraged to attend.
The symposium is free to the public.
Attendees can register for the symposium at tinyurl.com/2cu8a7f4 or visit eventbrite.com for the Cherish Your Mind: Understanding the Importance of Brain Health Symposium.
2024 Corporate Luncheon
11 a.m., Friday, June 28th
Indiana Convention Center, Sagamore Ballroom
The Pacers Sports and Entertainment Corporate Luncheon will honor contributors to African American culture, progress and achievement.
Among the feted will be O’Brien, James, Fuson and Robinson.
Tickets are available at summercelebration.net.
Indiana Black Expo awards: 2024 honorees in African-American culture
Youth Leadership Summit
June 28
Indiana Convention Center
This three-day annual summit helps Indiana middle and high school students become more aware of STEM-related careers and better understand leadership, advocacy and civic responsibility.
Exhibition Hall
June 28-30
Indiana Convention Center
Vendors will offer food and merchandise throughout the Exhibition Hall. Visitors can check out Indiana and regional companies and organizations.
Also in the Expo Hall:
Cultural Arts Pavilion with exhibitions of the works of local and national artists and authors, including the Art Speaks Café, platforming local visual and performing artists. Expect live music; spoken word performances; free paint nights; and interactive art installations and sessions. June 28-30
The Indiana Black Expo Midwest Invitational Boxing Showcase, a competition between top amateur boxing teams from across Indiana, Ohio, Texas, and Missouri. 12 p.m., June 29-30
Textures Institute of Cosmetology Hair Show with beauticians and barbers competing. 1 p.m., June 29
IBE’s Fashion Show, with dozens of models of all ages highlighting top brands in the industry. 4:30 p.m., June 29
Man Made Improv teen-focused variety show hosted by J. Bland Made Man and featuring unscripted improv games, comical sketches, interactive crowd participation and music by DJ Boogie Bang. 6 p.m., June 29
Gospel Explosion, featuring choirs and entertainers. 4 p.m., June 30
Music Heritage Festival
6 p.m., June 28
IU Michael A. Carroll Stadium, 1001 W. New York St., Indianapolis,
The traditional Outdoor Concert gets a new location and requires tickets, starting at $10 each.
Doors open at 4 p.m. with food trucks on-site. Kids ages 2 and under are free when seated on a parent’s lap. Ages 3 and up must have a ticket. To avoid Ticketmaster fees, purchase at ticketmaster.com.
The 2024 Indiana Black Expo outdoor concert lineup:
The Black Expo summer concert: The lineup and changes for 2024
The 2024 All White Affair and Concert
10 p.m., June 29
Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Guests in all-white attire will experience live music and networking opportunities with celebrity guests and artists. Tickets, available at Gainbridge Fieldhouse or ticketmaster.com, are required.
2024 All White Affair and Concert Lineup:
Contact IndyStar reporter Cheryl V. Jackson at cheryl.jackson@indystar.com or 317-444-6264. Follow her on X: @cherylvjackson.
Indiana
Fever wins 4th straight, Caitlin Clark 3rd-fastest in WNBA history to reach 100 assists
![Fever wins 4th straight, Caitlin Clark 3rd-fastest in WNBA history to reach 100 assists](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/authoring/authoring-images/2024/06/22/PIND/74176643007-getty-images-2158662742.jpg?auto=webp&crop=2989,1682,x0,y905&format=pjpg&width=1200)
Indiana Fever beat Atlanta, win 4 in a row for first time since 2015
Fever forward NaLyssa Smith, coach Christie Sides and Caitlin Clark talk with media after beating Atlanta, 91-79, on Friday night.
ATLANTA — The Indiana Fever renaissance continues with a fourth-straight win Friday night, taking down the Atlanta Dream, 91-79, at State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta on Friday night.
The Fever (7-10) have won four straight for the first time since 2015, and have won six of their past eight games.
Here are three observations:
More: Caitlin Clark confirms she ruptured eardrum vs. New York in early June
Fever win four straight games for first time since 2015
On Friday, with three straight wins under their belt, the Fever needed just one more to break a nine-year mark. At a sold-out crowd of 17,575 at State Farm Arena, they got it.
The Fever have now won four games in a row for the first time since Tamika Catchings was an active player and Stephanie White was Indiana’s coach. It was the last year the Fever went to the WNBA Finals as the No. 3 seed in the East, falling to the Minnesota Lynx.
Fever build, then maintain lead
Indiana’s first half was shaping up to be very similar to last week’s game against the Dream in Indianapolis. Indiana built a strong lead Friday night in Atlanta, leading 57-41 at halftime.
Last week, Indiana led by 15 points, 49-44, at half — and they almost let the lead slip away. The Dream fought back, led by All-Star Rhyne Howard, to lead the Fever in the fourth quarter and nearly steal a victory. It took a career-matching 27 points from Aliyah Boston (10 in the fourth) for the Fever to pull out the win.
This time, Indiana didn’t let that happen. With Howard out with an ankle injury, the Fever kept distance from the Dream for the entire game. Atlanta got within nine points at one point in the third quarter, but the Fever then went on an 11-3 run to put the game away.
Four starters — Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell, and NaLyssa Smith — each scored in double figures for the third straight game, and fellow starter Kristy Wallace added seven points.
Smith led the Fever with 21 points, while Boston finished with a double-double (10 points and 10 rebounds).
Caitlin Clark eclipses 100 assists
Fever rookie Caitlin Clark is in good company.
Her first assist Friday night, Clark eclipsed 100 on the season in just 17 games, tying her for third-fastest in WNBA history with Seattle Storm legend Sue Bird. That assist came just seconds into the game — Clark passed the ball to a cutting Kelsey Mitchell, who easily scored a layup.
The Fever rookie has always maintained her passing is an underrated part of her game. The NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer is known for her logo 3-point shots and smooth baskets, but she also has elite court vision.
That passing also comes with risks — Clark specializes in behind-the-back, no-look, and cross-court passes, and those passes take time to learn with new teammates. Clark currently averages 5.5 turnovers per game and leads the league with 88, but those in-game turnovers have decreased as Clark learned her teammates and her teammates learned her style.
Clark finished Friday’s game with seven turnovers compared to seven assists.
How many points did Caitlin Clark score?
Clark scored 16 points on 6-of-12 shooting from the field (4-of-8 from 3) to go along with seven assists and three rebounds against the Dream.
Indiana
Trent Sisley releases his top five schools, with multiple from Indiana
![Trent Sisley releases his top five schools, with multiple from Indiana](https://www.wishtv.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/mike-woodson-and-matt-painter-cropped-1-scaled.jpg)
(WISH) — Trent Sisley, star power forward from Heritage Hills High School, released his top five schools on Friday.
Purdue, Indiana, and Notre Dame were all listed. as well as Iowa and Michigan State.
Sisley is visiting going on an official visit to Purdue on September 6.
He’ll visit Indiana on September 20th on an official visit. Braylon Mullins from Greenfield Central and Malachi Moreno from Georgetown, Kentucky will also go on official visits to Indiana the same weekend.
Sisley will take official visits to Notre Dame on September 28 and Michigan State on October 12.
Sisley is listed as a four star recruit and is ranked 74th nationally on 247Sports.
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