WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

Olivia Gonzalez Talks Former

STUDENT DAYS - AND CURRENT TEACHING DUTIES - AT TIPTON HIGH SCHOOL

part of coming to college.

“It was such a challenge, but I knew I could easily overcome it because of the opportunities and experience I had while at Tipton High School,” she says. “I learned what time management and discipline looked like from an early age.”

Gonzalez recommends going to a smaller school for the resources, clubs and activities available, many providing support while juggling studies and athletics. She credits being so involved in high school for her success in college.

Now she is in her first year teaching integrated chemistry and physics, honor physics, and Earth and space science, back where it all began - at Tipton High School - and acknowledges former teachers for her return.

“Nick Comer was single-handedly the biggest influence on me in high school, and not just with athletics,” she says. “He did everything in his power to make sure that his players were not only excelling on the court, but excelling in life. He taught me the very definition of hard work, reliability, and made a huge impact on my faith as well. He was there for us as players through every high and every low.”

For Gonzalez, returning home has meant staying close to her family as well as her husband’s.

“Returning to Tipton has meant everything to my husband and I,” Gonzalez says. “We are both from Tipton, so being back home has been really fun for both of us. The community of Tipton is truly something special, and you don’t fully realize it until you’re in it. I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else but here.”

Gonzalez is most proud of her students. What stands out most to her are the kids who are willing to help each other, no matter who is asking, and she credits a great first year of teaching to that uplifting positivity. She’s also proud of the relationships she’s been able to build with her students and players.

“Teaching has been the greatest joy thus far,” she says. “I care so deeply for my students and my softball players. They are my ‘why’ every single day when it comes to teaching/coaching. Seeing them grow as individuals throughout the year has been so heartwarming and encouraging.”

Alec Weddell and sports, especially Tipton sports, are synonymous. A 2018 Tipton High School graduate who was a threesport athlete in basketball, golf and tennis, Weddell has always been surrounded by athletics. His parents, Scott and Jill Weddell, owned and operated The Cage, a basketball and baseball complex for youth sports development, for many years. His brothers, Cam and Grayson, are also in Tipton. Cam was previously an assistant coach for the Tipton eighth-grade boys basketball team, and Grayson does broadcasting for the Tipton boys and girls basketball teams. Most recently, Grayson is working as a commentator for the Kokomo BobKats.

Weddell was a two-time sectional champion for the basketball team, as well as a member of the All-Hoosier Athletic Conference golf team in addition to being a regional qualifier. His athletic achievements landed him on the golf team at Indiana University Kokomo, where he played all four years.

“I felt pretty prepared for college and playing on the golf team because my older brother, Cam, was also a member of the IU Kokomo golf team,” Weddell says. “He helped guide me through the first two years of my college career and helped me balance my athletics with my academics really well.”

Strong ties to Tipton and the athletic community are two of the reasons Weddell returned to his former high school to teach and coach after graduating from IU Kokomo.

“I’m five months into my new role as