LAFAYETTE — Matt McInerney was about a half-mile behind Griffith’s team bus when it was involved in Saturday’s crash as the Panthers headed to the Class 3A Lafayette Jefferson Semistate.
When he arrived on the scene, he offered hugs and help.
At Wednesday night’s rescheduled game against Marion, a last-second 60-58 loss for the Panthers, the Griffith junior offered support.
“We’re just one big family,” McInerney said. “People say we’re a community. But we’re a family.”
Panthers fans, mostly clad in some sort of black shirt with gold lettering, showed up en masse at the gym.
Griffith athletic director Stacy Adams said his office sold 1,200 tickets.
“That’s outstanding for the community,” he said. “There’s a lot of love for these kids.
“I can’t believe this day got here already. I’m just glad our guys could get a chance to play. Banged up or not, they’ve showed a lot of heart.”
When the Griffith players and coaches entered the gym and headed to their locker room, they were welcomed with a thunderous standing ovation. They exchanged high-fives with the student section, which showered coach Gary Hayes with a chant of “Gary, Gary, Gary!”
Everyone expressed the unbelievable nature of the Panthers even being able to play after a distracted driver sidewiped their bus, flipping it and sending it into a ditch on Interstate 65. Somehow, they avoided life-threatening injuries.
“The resilience is awesome,” McInerney said.
“This was heartbreaking at first. But now, the way everyone has come together, this is uplifting.”
Sammy Issa, a Griffith senior, wasn’t going to miss Wednesday’s game. He had already arrived Saturday at Lafayette Jeff when he heard about the crash.
“God was on our side,” he said.
Ali Mroueh and Connor Pascoe, also seniors, were on their way Saturday, and were in awe Wednesday.
“It’s crazy we’re even here,” Mroueh said. “It’s a blessing.”
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Said Pascoe: “Our best friends could’ve died.”
Darea Warner, a freshman, was sitting at the edge of the student section, next to her family. They were singing “Lean On Me.”
“I’m surprised we’re able to play,” Warner said. “It’s a miracle we’re even here. These guys have worked so hard.”
Throughout the game, the students chanted “GP4L” — Griffith Panthers For Life.
The outpouring was not lost on Hayes. He noted the 400 people who attended Sunday’s gathering at Central Park, as well as the crowd at Wednesday’s sendoff, with a police escort for the chartered bus.
“This community has been amazing,” Hayes said. “I’ve never seen anything like it. In a time when loyalty is lacking, it’s amazing how this community put us on their shoulders and picked us up.”
Twitter @MichaelOsipoff