Oldenburg Academy Seeking Storybook Ending at Class A State Championship Match

The Twisters will have to topple a team that has not lost a match over the past two seasons.

(Oldenburg, Ind.) - There is a well-known movie inspired by a small Indiana high school that won a state championship. 

Another small high school team from the area has a chance to write their own storybook ending on Friday night when Oldenburg Academy plays for a Class A Boys Soccer State Championship. 

Oldenburg Academy's boys' soccer team has been one of Indiana's most successful programs for nearly two decades. Head coach Ken Getz, who is in his 19th year at OA, has led the Twisters to an overall record of 224-84-39 and eight sectional titles. When his team takes the pitch at Michael Carroll Stadium at IU Indianapolis on Friday, they will be the first team from OA to play in a state championship. 

While Oldenburg Academy's story does not fully mirror the Milan 1954 story, it does have one major parallel - school size. In 1954, Milan had an enrollment of 161 when they defeated Muncie Central (1,662 enrollment) in the state championship. Founded nearly 175 years ago, Oldenburg Academy was an all-girls school until 2000. Today, OA has an enrollment of 145, fewer than half of whom are boys. Still, the boys' soccer program consistently competes with the best the state has to offer. 

While OA is not competing in a non-classed state tournament like Milan did over 70 years ago, that does not diminish the accomplishment of reaching the state finals. 

On their way to the Class A State Championship, Oldenburg Academy defeated ranked opponents Shawe Memorial (#3), Indianapolis Scecina (#13), and Forest Park (#10). Now, the Twisters get a crack at defending Class A champion and #1 ranked Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian. 

Oldenburg Academy, #4 in Class A, is riding a 17-match winning streak since an August 22 shootout loss to Shawe Memorial. They are led by senior striker Connor Holder, who leads the team with 46 goals. Senior goalkeeper Ryan Hautman has recorded 64 saves and nine clean sheets while allowing 20 goals.

Their opponent has not lost a match over the past two seasons, compiling a combined 37-0-6 record. The Braves have won all five of their state tournament matches, outscoring opponents by a combined 31-2 margin, including a 5-0 win over #2 Faith Christian in the semi-state.

Senior midfielder James Neebes leads the Braves with 39 goals of the team's 94 goals. The other 55 goals scored by the Blackhawk has come from 19 other players on a roster that features 11 seniors and 10 returning starters from last season’s undefeated season.

Kickoff of the Class A State Championship is scheduled for 6:00 PM Friday. Those who are unable to attend the match can pay to view the match at www.ihsaatv.org.

Good luck to the Twisters!