(Batesville, IN) – If weather conditions allow, Batesville High School will turn Saturday night into a celebration of both history and momentum, honoring past teams while recognizing a milestone achieved by this season’s Bulldogs.
The program plans to recognize the 2001 and 2011 Batesville boys basketball teams during Saturday’s home game against Connersville, according to Batesville coach Aaron Garrett. Garrett said the school also hopes to gather members of the 1971 Batesville team later this season or early next year.
The honor night comes during a season Garrett described as significant not only for its success on the court, but for what that success represents historically. With a recent win over South Ripley, Batesville teams over the past 17-plus years have now achieved the all-time wins record in program history.
Garrett was quick to frame that milestone as a collective accomplishment.
“That milestone belongs to far more people than just the current staff and players,” Garrett said. “It belongs to every player who has worn a Bulldog uniform, every manager who helped behind the scenes, every coach who poured into this program, and every alum who continues to support it. I am simply a steward of something much bigger than myself.”
This year’s Batesville team has improved to 11–1, remains undefeated in conference play, and has earned statewide attention. Garrett credited the group’s progress to discipline, unselfish play and a deep commitment to one another.
“They have earned everything that has come their way,” Garrett said. “It has been a joy to coach this group and watch them grow as players and as young men.”
Garrett also emphasized that any record connected to his name traces directly back to those who built the program before him, singling out Mel Siefert as his mentor and the standard he continues to follow.
“Any record connected to my name truly belongs to Coach Siefert,” Garrett said. “He was my mentor, my example, and my standard. I always just wanted to honor what he built and protect the culture he created.”
Garrett added that Siefert’s presence back in the building this semester adds special meaning to the moment, calling it “poetic” as the program reflects on its past while continuing to move forward.
Beyond wins and banners, Garrett said his primary goal has always been stewardship of the program and the people in it.
“We have worked hard, won some games, and, most importantly, helped raise a lot of good young men,” Garrett said. “That is the true victory.”
Saturday’s Honor Night is intended to reflect that philosophy, blending recognition of past teams with appreciation for the generations of players, coaches and supporters who helped shape Batesville basketball.