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Second-ranked Wapahani (30-6) began this year’s state tournament with one of the biggest upsets in years and carried that momentum all the way to the Class 2A state championship with a sweep of No. 3 Eastern Greene, 25-16, 28-26, 25-14.

It was the school’s second volleyball state championship under coach Mike Lingenfelter to go along with its 2002 Class A crown. Since the class sports era began in 1997, Wapahani also became just the second school to win a title in two different classes and the first to do so in Class A and 2A.

The Raiders’ upset of No. 1 Muncie Burris on opening night of the sectional (Oct. 18) ended Burris’ 14-year stranglehold on the 2A state championship and state record win streak of 95 consecutive tournament matches.

After falling in the opening set, Eastern Greene appeared ready to take the second and tie the match holding a 24-22 advantage but consecutive kills by the Raiders’ Lindi Thomas and Brittany Cline evened the score. Wapahani survived two more set points at 25-24 and 26-25 before reeling off three consecutive of their own stealing a 2-0 lead. The Raiders raced to an 8-2 lead in the decisive set and were never threatened again.

Thomas and Cline led Wapahani with 21 and 12 kills, respectively. Teammate Taylor Richardson ended with 21 digs and four service aces. Scottie Ingram finished with 16 kills for Eastern Greene.

Coached by Mike Lingenfelter, Wapahani became the second Delaware County school of the day to win following Wes-Del’s Class A championship.

Eastern Greene (35-5), coached by Gina Ingram was making the school’s first appearance in the IHSAA state finals in any sport.

Brittany Igel Named Mental Attitude Award Winner
Brittany Igel of Eastern Greene High School was named winner of the 2011 Mental Attitude Award for Girls 2A Volleyball by members of the IHSAA Executive Committee.

The award is presented annually to a senior in each classification who demonstrates excellence in mental attitude, scholarship, leadership and athletic ability.

Brittany’s 3.98 grade point average places her at the top of her senior class.  She is active within the school community, serving as president of the National Honor Society and secretary of the student council.  

Under Brittany’s leadership, the Thunderbirds reached the state finals for the first time in school history.  She is a four-year letter winner in volleyball and basketball, and received an All-Conference nod for her efforts on the basketball court during the 2011 season.

She is the daughter of Andrew and Diana Igel of Solsberry.

Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, the IHSAA’s corporate partner, presented a scholarship check for $1,000.00 to Eastern Greene High School in the name of Brittany Igel.  Since 1989, more than $745,000 in college scholarships has been presented by Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance to deserving high school students in Indiana.