MIDDLETOWN, Ohio -- This may not be the final season for Middletown’s Wade E. Miller Gymnasium after all.
Middletown Athletic Director Aaron Zupka told WCPO.com Friday the plan is to have the famed facility host one final home boys’ basketball game at the start of the 2017-18 season. The school’s new arena may open Dec. 1, 2017, Zupka said. The new arena is on the school campus.
The Middies may host rival Hamilton in the 2017-18 season opener to close out the gymnasium. Zupka said a formal announcement would be made later next fall in order to invite distinguished guests such as Jerry Lucas, Cris Carter, Butch Carter and others.
The plan would be to host Lima Senior to open the new arena in December 2017.
The Ohio High School Athletic Association boys’ basketball season opens the 2017-18 campaign on Nov. 30 next school year.
Wade E. Miller Gymnasium, which opened in 1952, has hosted so many memorable games and players over the years including Jerry Lucas. The Middies had a 76-game overall win streak which included state title in 1956 and ’57.
In 2013, Middletown dedicated Jerry Lucas Court in a ceremony at the gymnasium. Middletown officials said this summer the gym is scheduled to stand until the 2018-19 school year as there are plans for a new middle school.
Middletown has also won state boys’ basketball titles in 1953, ’52, ’47, ’46 and ’44.
The Middies (1-1 this season) host Colerain at 7:30 p.m. Friday. The Middies travel to Akron Saturday to play Brush at 2 p.m. in the LeBron James Classic at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School.
