It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Rolling Prairie gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Rolling Prairie, IN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Our mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer and immediately needed meds administered multiple times a”
“I have worked alongside Always Best Care and they have been amazing. Very quick”
“ABC is a great place to be! Thank you Patti, Stephanie, and Michele for all”
“Best Company I’ve ever encountered. I love how flexible and efficient they are. I love”
“Always Best Care has been exceptional the four years i’ve worked there. The staff and”
“I give always best care of 5 stars. They are caring and have a sincere”
“it is my pleasure to leave a review for the Coffee need that support the”
“I have worked with more home health agencies than I care to remember, both in”
“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I”
“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I”
“I love the company I think they really do care about the employee the residents”
“I love working for Always Best Care The staff is very helpful, encouraging wonderful, loving”
“Always Best Care gives great encouragement and support to their caregivers during any situation or”
“Stephanie Stevens is a great CSD! Thanks for all you do!”
“Always Best care is amazing!”
“Always Best Care is a great company. Not only do they provide the best care”
“We have used Always Best Care two different times for our Mother. Both times the”
“Hi my name is Linda and I've been working with always best care for 2”
“I have used quite a few different providers and ABC is by far the best”
“Always best care has always been there when I needed them! They make it convenient for”
“Great place to work at very professional and appreciative for their staff”
“Overall a great company to work for! They do a wonderful job recognizing caregivers; from”
“They really help people when they need it”
“I've had caregivers for about 5 years now. Only having been disappointed and frustrated. Since”
“Carole is an excellent caring professional. She has been extremely helpful in advising us and”
“Our mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer and immediately needed meds administered multiple times a day. After speaking to the independent living center where she resided, our family decided to hire Always Best Care for the meds (and then later for 24-hour aids). We cannot say enough about Darlene and Candy, as well as the numerous aids. Even at the end when our mom no longer needed the meds, they would often stop by to see her anyway. We generally do not give reviews of companies, but their caring approach was exceptional and we decided it was appropriate for others who need these services to know about our experience.”
“I have worked alongside Always Best Care and they have been amazing. Very quick to help out patients in need and staff is very polite and professional.”
“ABC is a great place to be! Thank you Patti, Stephanie, and Michele for all you do! You all are Awesome & thank you for the honors of being part of the team also acknowledging myself for Employee of the Month of March! You all are appreciated”
“Best Company I’ve ever encountered. I love how flexible and efficient they are. I love the open door policy. Michelle is my favorite schedule she does an amazing job with communication.”
“Always Best Care has been exceptional the four years i’ve worked there. The staff and schedulers, especially Michele, are helpful in finding compatibility for your clients, they’re also flexible in scheduling hours. Great company, great staff.”
“I give always best care of 5 stars. They are caring and have a sincere heart I love working with this agency..”
“it is my pleasure to leave a review for the Coffee need that support the most I would like Stephanie Kramer for supporting me and helping me get through my work schedules and feel comfortable at my place of employment. I am sad to see that she left Scheduling , but she still tries her best to help everyone even with her new position. Her dedication means everything I would like to Tasha as well for communicating with me so much I also cannot forget Patricia and Michelle as well. You ladies help me so much with my client. I greatly appreciate you ladies. I appreciate all of the hard work and dedication that you ladies have with meeting me halfway when it comes to our job it definitely makes everything much easier. Keep up the great work as well as the rest of the staff thank you ladies for everything that you do and congratulations Monique on your new position.”
“I have worked with more home health agencies than I care to remember, both in GA and MI, when I worked in healthcare; and I have to say that Always Best Care is one of the best home health care agencies that I have found since the early 90's !!! I have been a client with Always Best Care since February 2022 and I have been extremely pleased with the help I have received both from my caregivers and the office staff. All the staff work hard and the quality of care is exceptional!!! The few occasions that I didn't like a caregiver because of either poor work ethic or personality, Always Best Care always took care of finding another caregiver to better meet my needs ASAP!! When I first started with Always Best Care I did get a few caregivers that weren't a good fit. But, within a very short period of time my scheduler learned my specific needs and personality and she found caregivers for me that were a wonderful match!! As in every area of healthcare, the high turnover of employees is to be expected!!! But, Always Best Care has always made sure that I have a new caregiver that matches my needs and expectations!! I have and would, highly recommend Always Best Care for your home health daily care!!”
“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I called a few months ago to set up a care plan for my elderly mom. She had a hip replaced, and lives alone. I knew we would feel better having someone there to help her and visit with her until she could get up and around on her own. ABC works through our scheduling nightmares (mom tends to send people home early, and tell them not to come back)….and they have been SO patient with our ever changing and increasing needs for mom. Their response time and communication are impeccable!!”
“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I called a few months ago to set up a care plan for my elderly mom. She had a hip replaced, and lives alone. I knew we would feel better having someone there to help her and visit with her until she could get up and around on her own. ABC works through our scheduling nightmares (mom tends to send people home early, and tell them not to come back)….and they have been SO patient with our ever changing and increasing needs for mom. Their response time and communication are impeccable!!”
“I love the company I think they really do care about the employee the residents”
“I love working for Always Best Care The staff is very helpful, encouraging wonderful, loving family. Thank you for the opportunity of serving for your company thank you to Michelle, who is always looking out for me and making sure that I have the hours that I need.”
“Always Best Care gives great encouragement and support to their caregivers during any situation or time of need. The care and dedication to their staff is incredible and I throughly enjoy my time working along side them!”
“Stephanie Stevens is a great CSD! Thanks for all you do!”
“Always Best care is amazing!”
“Always Best Care is a great company. Not only do they provide the best care for their clients, but they go above and beyond for their staff as well.”
“We have used Always Best Care two different times for our Mother. Both times the care was excellent. I have referred Always Best Care to several people.”
“Hi my name is Linda and I've been working with always best care for 2 years now and it's a great atmosphere I like coming in to work meeting new people. It's a place that's kind friendly and it makes you feel at home it makes you feel that you're working with people that understand you know you're different needs your different hours and if something come up they are there to help you with anything that you need help with it's a great company I'm so glad I signed up with the company I signed up a little bit after the pandemic and I just needed somewhere that I could really consider myself at home or I find a home and I have I'm amazed at how the people are so nice when you talk to them on the phone how nice they are friendly you can tell this saying it with a smile I enjoy working there I tell people ask me where I work at always best care they like what yeah always best care yes it's a nice company sign up with it you won't regret it I'm glad I do it I'm really glad I did”
“I have used quite a few different providers and ABC is by far the best company. From the office staff to the caregivers, they are doing what they love and it shows.”
“Always best care has always been there when I needed them! They make it convenient for me to take care of my father. I most definitely recommend them!”
“Great place to work at very professional and appreciative for their staff”
“Overall a great company to work for! They do a wonderful job recognizing caregivers; from big recognition like a monthly caregiver award and random drawings, to small recognition such as any time you visit the office you are free to grab snacks, beverages, gear and more often than not there is some type of food they have ordered that is available. They really don’t hold back in this area! There has been quite a bit of changes made in office positions within the last year. Response time, outside of the scheduling department, can be improved upon.”
“They really help people when they need it”
“I've had caregivers for about 5 years now. Only having been disappointed and frustrated. Since Always Best Care came into my life, my worries have ended. I never knew if previous caregivers were going to show up, or do what I needed. Everytime they would complete a task, they would sit down and be on their phone. Kari and Jamisha finish a task and right to the next. No problems. My mind has been put at ease. They are very professional yet so so friendly. They ask, what else they can do for me. I also have my ABC emergency call button. Now I have peace of mind if an emergency should arise. My case coordinator Stephanie Stevens. Stays right on top of my case. Thank you so much for making my life easier. I have recommended your company to others that may need assistance in the future.”
“Carole is an excellent caring professional. She has been extremely helpful in advising us and in scheduling care. With respect to the caregivers, we have no complaints. We want to give a special thank you to Rhona for her time and effort in creating a special bond with our mother.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Soldiers Memorial Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Lighthouse Restaurant, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Rolling Prairie, IN, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Rolling Prairie, IN understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Rolling Prairie, IN 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
NEW CARLISLE ? Two years ago, Ryan O’Shea and his father mapped out Ryan’s future in coaching. Ryan had been the head football coach at Lakeland for three years, following in his father and grandfather’s footsteps.There was one job that Ryan circled.He was hired for that job Wednesday.Ryan O’Shea is the new head football coach for New Prairie High School. The school board approved the hiring in a brief special meeting.From February: ...
NEW CARLISLE ? Two years ago, Ryan O’Shea and his father mapped out Ryan’s future in coaching. Ryan had been the head football coach at Lakeland for three years, following in his father and grandfather’s footsteps.
There was one job that Ryan circled.
He was hired for that job Wednesday.
Ryan O’Shea is the new head football coach for New Prairie High School. The school board approved the hiring in a brief special meeting.
“The school, number one,” said O’Shea of what stands out about New Prairie. “Educationally, this is a great school. There are tough, hard-nosed kids here on Friday nights; that’s also really appealing.”
There is a deeper reason for O'Shea wanting the New Prairie job. Along with being one of the state's better programs the last 15 years, New Prairie represents a homecoming for O'Shea.
Sixty-six years ago, Ryan’s grandfather, Frank, and grandmother, Janice, graduated from New Carlisle High School. Frank played football and basketball, while Janice was a cheerleader. The school eventually consolidated into the modern-day New Prairie.
Frank was emotional discussing what it meant to see his grandson coaching his adopted alma mater.
“It’s very special,” Frank said. “We drove up from Lafayette just for this occasion. We’re a tight-knit family. I know (Ryan) wanted to stay around South Bend, and I think this is about as good as it can get.”
Ryan sees this job as a way to pay back the countless lessons his grandfather taught him in sports and life.
“It’s surreal,” O’Shea said. “To be at a place that was my grandfather’s old stomping grounds is great. ‘Coach Gramps’, as we call him, has taught me a lot. He’s been every step of the way with me in this journey. … I could never, ever repay him for the things he’s taught me over the years. I’m going to try and do my best to repay him with wins on Friday night.”
O'Shea's grandfather and father are Indiana Football Hall of Famers.
His father, Twin Lakes head coach Kevin O'Shea, enjoyed his greatest success at Lafayette Central Catholic, winning five Class 1A state titles, including four straight from 2009-12. He has a 249-121 career record.
Frank O'Shea began his coaching journey as a Penn assistant in 1963. He’d be a head coach at five schools, taking McCutcheon to the 1982 state final. Frank spent his 50th year in coaching as his son's offensive line coach at Twin Lakes.
“He worked hard to get this job,” said Kevin O'Shea said of his grandson. “He prepared hard to get this job. … He’s taking over a program that has been extremely competitive. Now, he’s hoping to take it to that next level.”
Ryan O'Shea's first coaching job was under his father at LCC in 2015. After stops at Monroe Central, Yorktown, South Bend Saint Joseph and Jimtown, O’Shea accepted his first head coaching gig at Lakeland in 2020.
Though his teams are 19-31 record with zero postseason victories in five seasons, they saw gradual improvement. They went 6-4 and 5-5 the last two seasons, losing in sectional openers each time to to eventual regional champions.
After the Lakers were a run-dominant offense for decades, O’Shea installed a more modern offense that was as much passing as rushing. Current Lakeland senior quarterback Brayden Holbrook, who’s receiving interest from mid-major Division I programs, has every passing record in Lakeland, in part because of O’Shea’s offense.
O'Shea's Lakers averaged more than 30 points, more than double their previous output.
“We went from a culture of a lot of negativity, and a lot of kids were down on themselves, to now we had kids who believed they could win every Friday night,” O’Shea said. “The culture shifted. … I have not had one kid get in trouble in class the last two years. That’s the type of kid we’re trying to build.”
O’Shea inherits a program that has won four straight Class 4A sectional titles. They added regional crowns in 2021 and 2022, also winning semi-state in the latter to reach the state finals.
He replaces Casey McKim, who departed in early February for the head coaching job at Lowell.
“It was a priority to get the new coach in so they could get acclimated not only the student-athletes, but the community and pulse of the program to get ready for next season,” New Prairie Athletic Director Ben Bachmann said.
O’Shea understands the challenge.
“The traditions and expectations ? some people try to shy away from that, but not me,” O’Shea said. “I love the competition. Bring it on, I’m ready to go.”
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NEW CARLISLE – Casey McKim had about as successful of a five-year run you can have as New Prairie head football coach.
Four straight sectional titles the last four seasons after a 5-5 campaign in 2020. He added a regional title in 2021, plus a semistate crown in 2022 to reach the IHSAA Class 4A state championship game. An overall record of 48-17 the last five years made the Cougars one of the premier programs in the South Bend area.
That’s why leaving is difficult for him.
McKim informed his team Tuesday morning that he’d be taking the head coaching job at Lowell High School, pending school board approval. Ironically, McKim had a 4-0 record against the Red Devils during his time leading New Prairie, including that regional championship win in 2021.
“I just felt like it was a move I needed to make to keep growing, professionally and personally,” McKim said to the Tribune by phone Tuesday morning. “Obviously, I was at a tremendous place that was extremely hard to leave, especially the kids and outstanding coaching staff that’s here.
“There are other things that are a part of the mix, when you look at program building. The biggest thing, in my mind, is that I was aligned and had some similar ideas and focus into what I’m trying to do, professionally. I just felt it was a really good alignment of those things.”
McKim noted things moved quickly with Lowell.
“I didn’t start the process thinking I was going to leave, but as the process continued, it was extremely impressive,” McKim said. “So, I had to make a really, really difficult decision.”
McKim replaces Keith Kilmer, who had a decorated 15-year run that included reaching the Class 4A state title game in 2017. Kilmer went 115-60 overall with six sectional, two regional and one semistate titles. He had been with the football program since 1995, serving a multitude of roles before head coach.
“There’s a lot of strong, passionate football people out here,” said McKim of Lowell. “Early in the process, I brought up the fact that, in 4A football the last 25 years, they’re the most successful program in the northern half of the state. You have that history and background.”
Lowell is coming off a 4-6 season, but McKim is excited about what the future holds in northwest Indiana.
“They had a major facilities upgrade,” McKim noted. “They check all the boxes that a coach could want from every single aspect that you look at a program.”
Meanwhile, New Prairie will look for a new head coach after going 9-4 with a sectional title last year. It was a senior-heavy group for the Cougars, as junior quarterback Reed Robinson is the only statistical leader returning. The top five tacklers, top three interceptors and all 14 sacks recorded on defense, plus the top two rushers (outside Robinson) and top eight pass catchers on offense will have to be replaced.
“It’s a wave of emotions and memories — there’s a lot,” said McKim of his time at New Prairie. “My second year, when we won at the regional — oddly enough, at Lowell – I thought was a huge stepping stone for our program. … sometimes, as coaches, you remember the negatives or remember the games you should’ve won. Along with that is how you responded to that, and the thing that’s going to stick out in my mind is we always found a way to respond to adversity.”
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EAST CHICAGO — In the ever-shifting landscape of high school wrestling, some teams display relatively the same level of excellence from year-to-year, while others take a roller-coaster ride from one season to the next.New Prairie hasn’t always been the first school to come to mind when the subject is elite wrestling programs, but the Cougars are certainly headed in that direction. Consider Saturday’s semi-state tournament at East Chicago.Four individual finalists, two individual champs, 100 points on the score...
EAST CHICAGO — In the ever-shifting landscape of high school wrestling, some teams display relatively the same level of excellence from year-to-year, while others take a roller-coaster ride from one season to the next.
New Prairie hasn’t always been the first school to come to mind when the subject is elite wrestling programs, but the Cougars are certainly headed in that direction. Consider Saturday’s semi-state tournament at East Chicago.
Four individual finalists, two individual champs, 100 points on the scoreboard and a third-place team finish were all part of New Prairie’s best-ever semi-state performance.
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The Cougars finished just ahead of Penn (91 points), one of those programs always at the top of the list.
New Prairie is ranked No. 4 in the state wrestling power poll, and all things considered, that may be about right.
“This is a very driven team. And if they ever get big heads, they humble each other in practice,” said New Prairie coach Bobby Whitenack, who has had good teams in the past but never enjoyed a pendulum swing quite like this one.
New Prairie’s Jeffrey Huyvaert, a junior, started things off by winning the 144-pound weight class, improving his season record to 40-0. He scored a 17-2 technical fall over Vaparaiso’s Luke Reid in the championship round.
Matthew Staples, a freshman who is also undefeated this season (41-0), won the 157-pound title with 9-4 decision over Rochester’s Brant Beck. He won a battle of unbeatens, as Beck entered the contest with a 44-0 record.
Devin Kendrex, a senior, finished second at 190 in a wild championship bout against Crown Point’s Ceasar Salas. While Salas won 21-11, Kendrex twice came a fraction of an inch from getting a pin in the final 30 seconds, hitting his opponent with tight headlocks.
And then there was senior Hayden Whitenack, who finished second to Penn’s Vinny Freeman at 175 pounds in a rematch of the Northern Indiana Conference finals. More on that in a second.
To nobody’s surprise, No. 3-ranked Crown Point won the semi-state team title, scoring 252 points with eight individual finalists and four champs. Portage was second at 105, a step ahead of New Prairie.
Crown Point will be seeking its third state title in four years next weekend at the IHSAA state finals in Indianapolis. Wresting begins Friday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and continues through Saturday.
The top four finishers in each weight class at a semi-state advance to the state finals. Penn qualified five, while New Prairie is sending four. Mishawaka and La Porte each advanced one.
Freeman was the only Kingsman champ, but Leo Santiago was second at 165.
A few weeks ago, Freeman and Whitenack matched up in the NIC finals, with the Penn junior pulling out a victory in the third period.
This time, there was no doubt. Freeman scored an immediate takedown and rolled up a 21-5 tech fall before the second period was half-over.
“I just stuck to my game plan and did what my coaches taught me to do,” said Freeman, now 34-2. “I’m looking forward to next week. This is just a building block for what is upcoming.”
Huyvaert claimed his first semi-state championship after second place finishes the last two years. A more relaxed approach to his matches helped him break through this time around.
“After losing in the finals last year, I realized that I had to get something done. I had to change things because something wasn’t working,” said Huyvaert.
“I started a mindset program and it helped me. It let’s me think more optimistically. I used to get all crazy and so hyped up before my matches. But now, I wrestle so much better relaxed and calm.”
As a freshman, Staples hasn’t had the opportunity to bounce back from a loss. But he doesn’t hope to find out what it’s like, any time soon. “It’s all determined in the practice room,” Staples said. “I know how hard I work, so I know what my outcome is going to be. I know how hard I work and I know it will pay off.”
La Porte’s Josh England made it to the 138-pound finals, falling to Lowell’s undefeated Evan Stanley in the finale. Mishawaka’s Chance Smith was third at 120, as were Penn’s Malachi Evans (215) and Angelo Vargo (126).
IHSAA SEMISTATE WRESTLING
At East Chicago
TEAM SCORES: Crown Point 252, Portage 105, New Prairie 100, Penn 91, Merrillville 89, Lowell 85, Rochester 77, Hanover Central 56, Mishawaka 34, Hobart 31, Lake Central 26, Griffith 24, Valparaiso 24, La Porte 21 ½, Rensselaer Central 17, Benton Central 15 ½, North White 13 ½, Munster 12, Winamac 12, Lafayette Harrison 11 ½, Chesterton 10 ½, Hammond Central 9, McCutcheon 8, Plymouth 7, West Lafayette 6, Faith Christian 4, Mishawaka Marian 4, SB Riley 4, Seeger 4, Warsaw 4, West Central 4, East Chicago Central 3-1/2, Tri County 3-1/2, Frontier 2.
CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND
106: Sam Westfall (Crown Pt) dec. Cruz Orueta (Lake Central), 7-3.
113: Noel Verduzco (Lowell) tech. fall Colin Strayer (Crown Pt), 17-2 in 3:19.
120: Gavin Lewis (Crown Pt) pinned Lincoln Underwood (Portage), 2:30.
126: Gavin Jendreas (Crown Pt) pinned Matthew Maldonado (Merrillville), 2:48.
132: Layne Horn (Rochester) dec. LT Hawkins (Crown Pt), 3-0.
138: Evan Stanley (Lowell) pinned Josh England (La Porte), 1:02.
144: Jeffrey Huyvaert (New Prairie) tech. fall Luke Reid (Valparaiso), 17-2 in 4:45.
150: Marlone Kirksy (Merrillville) dec. Michael Ortega (Portage), 3-2.
157: Matthew Staples (New Prairie) dec. Brant Beck (Rochester), 9-4.
165: Adrian Pellot (Merrillville) tech. fall Leo Santiago (Penn), 21-5 in 5:58.
175: Vinny Freeman (Penn) tech. fall Hayden Whitenack (New Prairie), 21-5 in 2:48.
190: Ceasar Salas (Crown Pt) maj. dec. Devin Kendrex (New Prairie), 21-11.
215: Jayden Bartoszek (Hanover Central) dec. Austin Reading (Crown Pt), 10-4.
285: Kameron Hazelett (Lowell) dec. Lucas Szymborski (Crown Pt), 4-1.
CONSOLATION ROUND
106: Chase Mikels (Portage) pinned Julian DeLuna (Hanover Central), 4:44. 113: Zavier Acuna (Portage) dec. Nash Burke (Munster), 2-0. 120: Chance Smith (Mishawaka) dec. Joseph Mendoza (Benton Central), 7-0. 126: Angelo Vargo (Penn) dec. Cameron Woods (Portage), 4-1. 132: Landon Westenfeld (Griffith) dec. Warren Brown (Merrillville), 7-4. 138: Sontonio Sessa (Crown Pt) dec. Cooper Wilkins (Portage), 9-3. 144: Logan Haney (Crown Pt) maj. dec. Lincoln Frazee (No White), 11-3.
150: Teigan Newell (Crown Pt) dec. Zach Kenney (Griffith), 4-1. 157: Griffin VanTichelt (Crown Pt) dec. Anthony Bustamante (Merrillville), 7-1. 165: Ben Clark (Crown Pt) dec. Israel Sinnott (Hanover Central), 9-2. 175: Wyatt Davis (Rochester) pinned Elijah Carter (Hammond Central), 0:41. 190: Aiden Granger (Hobart) dec. Alessio Retzloff (Penn), 10-4. 215: Malachi Evans (Penn) tech. fall Talen Garner (Winamac), 19-4 in 2:13. 285: Declan Gard (Rochester) dec. Luke Juris (Hobart), 4-1 in OT.
NOTE: Top four finishers in each weight class advance to IHSAA state finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, starting Friday, Feb. 21.
Northridge senior Travis Henke claimed his second consecutive semi-state wrestling championship, winning the 215-pound weight class at Fort Wayne’s Memorial Coliseum.
Henke, who also won at 215 a year ago, pinned Wawasee’s Derek Morrison in the title match, wrapping it up in 2:31.
He is now 38-0. Every one of Henke’s semi-state victories was by fall or technical fall.
Henke lifted Northridge to a ninth-place finish in the final team standings. The Raiders scored 44-1/2 points. Delta claimed the team title with 115 ½ points.
In a generally awful showing for local teams, Elkhart (15th) was the only other to finish among the Top 20.
Elkhart’s Chance McCollough was runnerup at 165.
IHSAA SEMISTATE WRESTLING
At Fort Wayne
TEAM SCORES: Delta 115 ½, New Haven 105 ½, Homestead 88 ½, Bellmont 64 ½, Adams Central 52, Garrett 52, Cowan 50, Prairie Heights 46 ½, Northridge 44 ½, North Miami 44, Maconaquah 42 ½, DeKalb 35, Wawasee 34 ½, Eastside 31 ½, Elkhart 31, Angola 26 ½, Marion 24, Bluffton 23, Leo 22, Carroll (Fort Wayne) 21, East Noble 21, Yorktown 19 ½, Manchester 17, West Noble 16 ½, Madison-Grant 12, Central Noble 11 ½, Lakeland 11, Western 10, Fort Wayne Snider 9 ½, Concord 8, Jay County 8, Peru 8, Wabash 5, Columbia City 4, Heritage 4, Jimtown 4, Mississinewa 4, Northfield 4, Southwood 4, Winchester 4, Eastern (Greentown) 3, Northwood 3, Oak Hill 3.
CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND
106: Reed Wicker (Delta) pinned Joseph Warner (Carroll-FW), 1:47.
113: Bakari Cooper (New Haven) maj. dec. Kaid Jackson (Celta), 9-1.
120: Levi Johns (Bluffton) dec. Ayden Bollinger (Delta), 1-0.
126: Hickson Love (Marion) maj. dec. Jordan Korreckt (No Miami), 12-0.
132: Sam Mosier (Delta) dec. Drew Waldron (DeKalb), 4-1.
138: Dylan Ogg (Adams Central) maj. dec. Henry Faurote (Bellmont), 11-0.
144: Brody Hagewood (Prairie Hts) maj. dec. Wyatt Hoppes (Yorktown), 14-6.
150: Linkin Carter (Eastside) 9-6 dec. Easton Doster (New Haven), 9-6 in OT.
157: Jackson Bradley (Cowan) dec. Brock Hagewood (Prairie Hts), 11-4.
165: Gavin Davis (Bellmont) maj. dec. Chance McCollough (Elkhart), 16-2.
175: Kaeb Stebbins (Delta) pinned Jake Thrash (Homestead), 1:49.
190: Ethan Farnell (Maconaquah) pinned Xavior Palacios (Bellmont), 1:39.
215: Travis Henke (Northridge) pinned Derek Morrison (Wawasee), 2:31.
285: Caleb Evans (Homestead) pinned Isaiah Coolman (Leo), 2:27.
CONSOLATION ROUND
106: Julianna Ocampo (New Haven) maj. dec. Ramon Sierra (Garrett), 13-1. 113: Rex Moore (Manchester) maj. dec. Charlie Fleshman (Central Noble), 16-2. 120 : Timmy Rocha (New Haven) maj. dec. Caleb Asa (Garrett), 10-2. 126: Sean Harris (New Haven) dec. Kameron Baker (Garrett), 3-0. 132: Hunter Douglas (Homestead) tech. fall Tripp Haisley (Madison-Grant), 19-3 in 2:07. 138: Ashton Goney (Cowan) pinned Liam Bumgardner (Western), 1:40. 144: Cavan Tom (Wawasee) pinned Jacob Unger (Cowan), 2:59.
150: Dallas Davidson (Angola) pinned Brason Schortgen (Adams Central), 4:32. 157: Maverick Dubach (Adams Central) dec. Brian Barrett (Garrett), 9-7. 165: Teegan Clouse (West Noble) pinned Carson Godinez (Homestead), 4:24. 175: Dominic Dunn (DeKalb) dec. Brennon Whickcar (Elkhart), 4-1. 190: Dylan Krehl (East Noble) maj. dec. Austin Parks (Northridge), 16-8. 215: Hartley Hoover (No Miami) maj. dec. Austin Ringeisen (Maconaquah), 10-1. 285: Charles McGrant (New Haven) dec. Jacob Reynolds (Garrett), 4-1.
NOTE: Top four finishers in each weight class advance to IHSAA state finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, starting Friday, Feb. 21.
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