TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Friends, family, alumnae. The Gibson family carries many labels when it comes to their relationship with Indiana State University, but the family's legacy goes far beyond any label with the school in which they've invested so much.
A relationship that began during Max Gibson's childhood, his love for Indiana State started early as he grew up watching Sycamore greats such as Duane Klueh and the men's basketball team. His passion for ISU continued to grow, until he eventually went on to attend the school, graduating in 1962 with a degree in business education. Gibson's support for ISU didn't fade at the conclusion of his tenure as a student, which helped lead to friendships with many inside the athletic department, including men's basketball assistant - and eventually head coach - Bill Hodges.
The relationship between the Gibsons and Indiana State continued to thrive in the late 1970s. The Gibson's relationship with the basketball program and Hodges allowed friendships to form with the athletes and provided a unique opportunity to help impact the young lives of the students. With summer jobs a necessity for collegiate athletes facing financial struggles, Gibson began to offer help in the form of work for his company. One such athlete who secured a summer job from Gibson? Larry Bird.
It was during that time period that Greg Gibson, the son of Max and Jackie who was in high school, befriended Bird - a relationship that remains strong to this day. Though Greg didn't attend Indiana State, as a runner at Rose-Hulman, he was well aware of the happenings in the Sycamore athletic department. His love of track and field and continued connection to Indiana State led to another friendship that would change the landscape of Indiana State Athletics.
The Gibsons partnered with their friend and late Indiana State cross country and track & field head coach, John McNichols, to create a state-of-the-art cross country course for not only Indiana State, but the city of Terre Haute. In the summer of 1995, LaVern Gibson donated land on the site of a reclaimed coal mine while Max and Jackie Gibson, Greg Gibson and Larry Bird all made donations to the venue. Their vision, paired with the vision of McNichols, led to the creation of the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course. Referred to by many as the best cross country course in the nation, LaVern Gibson has played host to the NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships 13 times, the NCAA Great Lakes Regional six times and the Missouri Valley Conference Championships three times.
In the spring of 2015 the Gibsons continued their dedication to Sycamore Athletics, as the Gibson Track & Field Complex was completed along the banks of the Wabash River. With a lead gift coming from Max and Jackie Gibson, the complex not only added an impressive structure to Indiana State, but also served as the first project in the Terre Haute Riverscape development area. Today, the Gibson Track & Field Complex has served as the host for the Missouri Valley Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championships in 2016, 2018 and 2019 while also hosting the Special Olympics during the summer. Included at the facility is a state-of-the-art 400-meter track, as well as accommodations for multi-directional options for all NCAA field events. A Daktronics video board also adorns the northwest corner of the facility with the option for multiple video boards elsewhere throughout the facility for larger meets.
Max and Jackie Gibson will be honored for their dedication and lasting impact on Sycamore Athletics at the inaugural Tried & True Athletic Gala presented by First Financial Bank on Friday, Aug. 6 inside the Hulman Center.
