Earlier, it was announced this season would be the final at Wade E. Miller, but with the uncertainly surrounding the timeline of the $96 million construction of the new middle school and renovations to the high school, Zupka said at least one game will be played in the gym that’s connected to Middletown Middle School.
The next night, Dec. 9, 2017, the boys and girls basketball teams will open the new arena, also called Wade E. Miller, at the new school, he said.
The goal, Zupka said, is for former Middies, including Jerry Lucas and brothers Butch and Cris Carter, to attend the weekend festivities and make it easier for everyone to watch both games.
“We want a proper farewell,” said Zupka, who added former players and coaches will be invited to the ceremonies. “We want to close it down properly.”
He said the new arena on the school campus on Breiel Boulevard and its court will have the same names: named after Wade E. Miller and Jerry Lucas, respectively. The gym at the new middle school has not been named, he said.
Wade E. Miller opened in 1952 and was considered one of the top basketball courts in the state. While playing at Wade E. Miller, the Middies had a 76-game win streak that included state titles in 1956 and 1957.
Three years ago, Middletown dedicated Jerry Lucas Court in a ceremony at the gymnasium.
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