County mulls ideas to honor Waterloo Wonders
Published 12:00 am Monday, February 28, 2005
It has been 70 years since the famed Waterloo Wonders ruled the state high school basketball courts.
Now, county leaders want to do something special to commemorate the event and honor the young men whose athletic prowess added luster to the county's image so long ago.
"We need to do something special," Commissioner Jason Stephens said in proposing that some honor be bestowed. "It was an amazing feat."
My kids went through the Waterloo schools," Commissioner George Patterson said. "I can remember watching Orlyn Roberts shoot through the rafters and make baskets. We need to put together a resolution honoring that team."
Patterson recalled that not only did the school turn out an excellent sports team, but provided the community's children with an excellent education during its history. "I like Symmes Valley but I sure did love that little school."
Patterson said he and Lawrence County Educational Service Center Superintendent Harold Shafer have talked before on the need for a movie to document the team's story.
"We could probably name that half-mile strip of State Route 141 'Waterloo Wonders Lane," Commissioner Doug Malone said. "We have a sign there now."
"Maybe we could get a state historical marker," Stephens said.
The Wonders won two state championships, the first in 1934 and then the next one 1935.
Not only were they appreciated for their technical ability but for their panache, which some said rivaled the Harlem Globetrotters - unheard of in state basketball at that time.