Adam Huening
The Semi-State match-up between Princeton and Greensburg has its own challenges, but the mayors of each city have made it a bit more interesting.
In response to a challenge issued by the Princeton Daily Clarian, Mayor Gary Herbert has agreed to terms with Princeton Mayor Bob Hurst. With both cities the homes of two of Indiana’s pre-eminent automakers - Honda in Greensburg and Toyota in Princeton - the vehicles are driving this side bet for the mayors. The challenge goes like this: If Greensburg wins the semi-state game, Hurst must drive a Honda with a Pirates logo on it for one week, and if Princeton wins, Herbert will be behind the wheel of a Toyota with a Tiger on it for the same duration.
Herbert said the bet is all in good fun and a way to show support for the local team.
“This is something to really celebrate and get behind because it doesn’t happen all the time,” Herbert said.
Accepting the bet, he noted, was about that celebration and showing spirit for the local boys. Of course, he said he didn’t want to add pressure to the team and offered a side bet to the recently wheelchair-bound Hurst, who is nursing a broken bone in his leg.
“I had some inside info on him that he didn’t know, so I challenged him to a foot race. Of course he said he’s in a wheelchair and I said it would make it a little easier for me to win,” Herbert joked.
The mayor said he hopes to see a sea of blue supporting the team in Seymour. He will be in the stands in blue and white cheering on the hometown squad.
From his racing days, Herbert said he knows a little something about competition. While Princeton may boast an undefeated record, it doesn’t matter when the ball is tossed in the air for the tip-off.
“In any given day, the worst team can beat the best team,” he said. “You look at every angle to win, and that’s what we’re going to do.”
The Pirates have faced adversity this season and triumphed over teams they weren’t supposed to beat, he noted, so the record doesn’t worry him. Still, Herbert might ask for a little help from the man upstairs, he joked.
“I don’t usually pray for ball games, but I might sneak one in this time,” he said.
