My chat with a "Hoosiers" favorite.

As many of you know, I am a big fan of the movie, "Hoosiers." So much in fact, I will stop on whatever channel it may be on while channel-surfing.

I decided a few months ago that it would be interesting to try to get in touch with one of the Hickory "players." I got lucky. Wade Schenck, who played "Ollie" agreed to talk to me. You remember Ollie...the player who was too small. The player who made the 2 free-throws that sent Hickory to the state championship game.

I sent Wade some questions and said he would be happy to answer them, but, he farms in Indiana and was in the busy part of the year and he'd answer as time permitted. I was more than willing to wait.

The following was my chat with Wade (Ollie).

Q- How much basketball had you played growing up prior to the movie?

A - I played basketball my entire life. In fact, I had to drop out my 1st semester of my senior year & returned to school the 2nd semester & returned to the varsity basketball team. Also, in my junior year, my high school (L & M) pop 136 kids in the top 4 grades, much like Hickory, was ranked #1 in the state of Indiana only to lose in the final game of the semi-state in a 1 class system.

We were also featured in the fall of 1984. I played sparingly that year as we were dominated with myself and 2 others as the only underclassmen. When I returned my senior year I started at point guard. I attended several camps growing up including Indiana University as well as attending some out of state.

Q - How hard did you guys have to train for the basketball scenes in the movie?

A - We started filming in September of 1985 but the filmmakers got us 8 ballplayers together & put us up in a motel in early August to build up some camaraderie &  practice together.

The actual scenes during the montages were basically adlibbed while we scrimmaged, excluding the "picket fence" and final shot scenes of course.

Q - Your thoughts about working with Gene Hackman?

A - Gene was great. He was always accessible to us when we needed advice, whether it was to do with the film or anything we had questions about. In fact, before we started filming, he called us ballplayers together and had 3-4 classes where he gave us some relaxation exercises so we would be more comfortable in front of the camera.

Dennis Hopper was also of great help even at times inviting us to his trailer to relax, hang out and play cards. You couldn't have asked for two better mentors, especially working with so many inexperienced you men.

Q - Do you stay in touch with any of the guys in the movie?

A - The only times I get to see the guys is usually on reunions or special occasions and those are becoming few and far between anymore.

Q - How tough was it to learn to shoot free-throws underhanded?

A - The underhanded free-throws were kind of an interesting story. It originally wasn't in the script to shoot them that way. Growing up and attending the shooting camps and trying to hone mt skills all my life, it was hard to stand at the line and shoot the ball and make it appear as though I had no clue.

So myself, Tom Abernathy, who played for the 1976 IU National championship team, who was there as a consultant, and the writer and the director got together and came up with the underhanded free-throe solution. The other players as well had difficulty adapting to the shooting styles of the 50's. Back then, there were no jump shots, but you'll notice in the film even though they tried, Jimmie and Merle both shot a jump shot.

Q - How often are you recognized as "Ollie?"

A - Mark, I never really did get recognized unless someone knew and told someone.

Q - Are you surprised how popular the movie became?

A - Being so young when we filmed and the film didn't release for about a year after we wrapped up the filming, I matured physically more than mentally, lol. I filled out after I graduated high school and into my freshman year in college as most do.

I was and still am in awe at the success of the film and its following. Even today, when the casting call was in the local media and newspapers, I assumed it was going to be a film that would be displayed in the Indiana High School Hall of Fame museum.

I didn't have much knowledge of who Gene and Dennis were. If it wasn't Tom Cruise or Kevin Bacon, I was pretty much clueless.


My thanks once again to Wade for taking the time to answer questions from a long-time fan.

More thoughts/ideas promised to entertain (or put to sleep).

The NCAA basketball tournament starts this morning. As bad as I am with filling out brackets, I've officially counted myself out of the running to win ANY of them.

When I go to a restaurant for a steak, I want just that, a steak. I don't want, onion rings, salsa, horseradish, arugula or spinach salad...etc, on top of it. If a steak is cooked properly, you don't have to "junk" it up.

I'm willing to pay anyone for 3-4 really nice days in-a-row. This weather is driving me nuts.

I'm betting before too long, I witness a traffic accident caused when someone tries to avoid one of the manhole-sized potholes and swerves into an oncoming lane.

Is it fair to say that Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 major titles is safe? At one point Tiger Woods looked to be a lock to break it. But now at 38, and all the physical ailments he has, I don't see him winning 5 more majors, which would break the record.

Am I the only person that has to stop and watch the movie Tombstone, if I run across it on tv?

Oh to see green grass again.

Good luck to my old Quincy friend, Ken Dennison, on the opening of his restaurant, The Salted Pig, in St. Louis on the 24th.

I hope many of you are watching the History channel's series, Vikings. Outstanding.

Please...can we get to MLB's regular season already? I can't take much more of spring-training.

Thank goodness the primary elections are over. We can now be free of tv/radio commercials...for about 3 weeks. Then we get stuck hearing them till November.

Started to listen to some of Eric Church's music. Boy, have I missed the boat for a few years. This guy is GOOOOD!

Does it seem fair that a guy who has very little hair should pay $12 for a 2-minute "cut?" I think paying by the hair is a MUCH better idea.

Memo to self: Stay far away from ANY roadside golf course the first weekend the weather is nice. Why, you ask? This will be the first time playing this year for most golfers, and I can attest that shots will by flying all over the place. Car windshields act like a magnet to that little white ball.

Does anyone watch American Idol anymore? Seriously?

Eating KFC's chicken after having Popeye's chicken is like watching a movie starring Robert DeNiro and then watching one starring Keanu Reeves.

Looking for a dog or cat? Don't forget to check the local pound ot animal protective league.

More incredibly, insightful thoughts (or, I'm bored and have a few minutes).

Why do I even bother watching the Grammy's anymore? I don't have a clue who 75% of these "entertainers" are!

Most of us were quick to judge Richard Sherman, weren't we? We listen to a 20 second interview done mere seconds after making the biggest play of his life and we're shocked that he's so jacked up?!

How cold has it been? I have an app on my Kindle Fire that shows fires in fireplaces along with the crackling and popping of the wood. I've been turning it on before I go to sleep hoping it gives the illusion of warmth.

I usually love the olympics, but I have a BAD feeling about terrorism with this one.

Am I the only one who gets into his/her car on these -0 mornings and pats the dash while begging my car to start??

Can't wait for February 9th to get here. No, not because of the Super Bowl (prediction, Denver 27 Seattle 20), but because "The Walking Dead" starts up again.

During this cold spell, I hope you all think of your animal friends. Just because they have fur doesn't mean they don't get cold.

I've seen it all. A jogger went by in a long-sleeved sweatshirt and SHORTS! Apparently this guy never saw Seinfeld and has no clue what "shrinkage" is.

I'm so tired of this weather, I'm even looking forward to Nascar.

Well, at least I have the upcoming elections to depress me.

I guess it's time to go to the barber. I've been cutting my own lately...with questionable results according to Jan. I just hate to pay $10 to have someone do the job in 3 minutes.

Forgive me: Did you hear about the guy who got hit in the head with a can of soda? He was lucky it was a soft drink.

Ladies...don't get taken next time you have work done on your car. There is no such thing as a "muffler bearing" or "canuter valve."

Don't let the weather keep you from buying or selling a house. It can be theraputic. Anyway, that's what my buddy Eric Pedigo tells me. Call Eric if you're considering buying/selling 217-891-4049. I'm still waiting on that check Eric!

I'm really in the mood to watch, Beverly Hillbillies, Hogan's Heroes, Match Game...I'd even settle for some Gilligan's Island. Shows you how bad television is anymore.

My poor hands. They're taking a beating in this cold weather. Anyone know where I can get a warm pair of gloves in size, extra-fat??

Now we know why there is a "shortage" of propane. Propane dealers have more than DOUBLED the amount of propane exported to Europe over last year. And once again, who gets screwed? Just look in the mirror.

Just think...only 4-plus months till the NBA season ends!

Things that cross my mind.

How cool would it be to fly a plane?

I keep hearing how good asparagus is, until someone tells me how to fix it so I don't gag...I'm not buying it.

I'm so glad I grew up a St. Louis Cardinal fan. The alternative scares me.

Those who don't use Twitter, are missing out.

I just heard Roy from "Shipping Wars" passed away. He was a grumpy sob, but he made the show watchable. RIP Roy.

Yeah, yeah...I know. NOBODY uses flip-phones anymore. But I like mine! Besides, the thing is built for a klutz like me.

HEY!! My buddy Eric Pedigo just got his first listing! Got a house to sell in the Springfield area, see Eric.

Going on day 9 with this cold. My niece suggested I slice an onion and secure it to the bottom of both feet. Supposedly, it will suck the toxins out of your body...I'm tempted.

More snow and cold. I can remember when I was 10, I wouldn't be able to sleep the night before a storm. The anticipation...will I have to go to school tomorrow? Present day? I still can't sleep the night prior to a big snowstorm. The anticipation...will my car start and will I have to go to work tomorrow?

I have no use for people who abandon or mistreat animals

I had such a good time the one time I went to Las Vegas...I believe a second visit needs to happen.

I keep trying to think back to the days I had hair. No good, it was so long ago, my mind can't go back that far.

Is channel1450.com about the best thing ever for covering local sports in and around Springfield?

I see Warren Buffet will give one billion dollars to anyone with a perfect NCAA Tournament bracket. The over/under on how many "family members" or "close friends" contact me within 24 hours of winning is...73.

I know things seem bleak Illinois fans. Don't worry. Stay the course. Remember, IGWT (In Groce we trust).

Someone inform the USPS the holidays have been over for 3 weeks...pull the holiday-themed commercials!