Nearly a Century of Hoosier Hope: lifelong IU fans ready for National Championship

GOSHEN, Ind. — Lifelong Hoosiers at Waterford Crossing Senior Living Community in Goshen have been waiting for this moment for nearly a century.

Residents, including members of the Indiana University classes of 1953, 1956, 1963 and 1974, along with proud parents and grandparents of IU alumni shared stories of the ‘good old days’ ahead of a moment many never thought they’d see, Indiana football playing for a national championship.

Janice Stork, IU Class of 1974, said this season has been incomprehensible.

“Well, I did go to football games and leave at halftime like they’ve been doing up until now,” Stork said.

But this season is different, a new era few saw coming.

Walton Troyer, a lifelong IU fan, like many, said his love for the Cream and Crimson was originally geared towards toward basketball.

“I’ve always been a fan of Indiana, mostly basketball,” Troyer said.

Stork added, “But now it’s just surreal that come Monday night we’re playing for the national championship and we’re undefeated.”

John Ulmer, IU Law School Class of 1963, and the other residents not only appreciate the team’s skill but their leadership and character.

“I get excited watching these games, and the coach seems to be so good. You don’t see him smiling during the whole game, but after the team wins, he’s smiling like heck,” said Ulmer.

John Rahe, IU Class of 1956 and DDS Class of 1963, doesn’t remember a time he wasn’t an IU fan.

“But I never expected to live long enough to see Indiana in a national championship game for football,” Rahe said. “Didn’t think I’d ever live that long.”

Rahe is looking forwarding to putting on his bright crimson corduroy pants from his collection Monday night as he cheers on the Cream and Crimson.

“You know, once in a while I get a little sleepy around 9 o’clock, but I won’t go to bed Monday night, You can be sure I’ll be up watching,” he added.

Nancy Lantz Stump, IU Class of 1953, spoke to ABC57 last year ahead of the IU vs Notre Dame Playoff Game.

Stump, now 94, previously told she and her late husband would have attended the game if he were still alive.

Over the years, Stump has built countless memories as a Hoosier fan, including attending a Rose Bowl game.

Through it all, one thing has remained consistent.

“They’re never prepared for Indiana. They talk about the crowds now, same thing. We warned them we’re coming. We did ,” she added.

Her unwavering faith in this team.

“If we don’t believe by now, we need our head examined,” Stump said.

She’ll be watching Monday night’s game with her son, Eric Lantz.

“I’m just grateful that this has been able to happen within her lifetime. She’s still with us enough. She’s very into it. She watches Big Ten religiously, watching for all the replays and possible interviews. She’s very in the moment,” Lantz added.

Even at 94, Stump says she wouldn’t mind making the trip to Miami.

“I said if somebody had an extra ticket, I would go to the game now,” she said.

Residents at Waterford Crossing are prepared for a late-night Monday as they cheer on their Hoosiers, a moment decades in the making.