That’s what made Sunday so difficult for Haynes and those at Lakota East High School and the Lakota Local School District.
It is with heavy heart that we mourn the loss of Caleb VanHooser, former Hawk great, and Indiana State football player who was called home to Heaven early this morning. We will never forget his contributions to our program. RIP#2. We love you. pic.twitter.com/cV5gh8ysJA
— Lakota East Football (@hawksfootball12) August 21, 2022
VanHooser, a freshman cornerback at Indiana State University, was one of three people who died in a single-vehicle accident early Sunday morning.
“This is a terrible tragedy,” ISU President Dr. Deborah J. Curtis said in a statement. “As we are waiting on additional details from authorities investigating this accident, our hearts go out to the families and friends of the students involved.”
Haynes and the Lakota East football program along with several alumni met the high school at 3 p.m. Sunday to mourn the loss of teammate and friend.
Haynes reminded those in attendance about how precious life can be and how circumstances can change at any moment. Haynes had just exchanged text messages with VanHooser Aug. 17 and knew his former standout was getting ready for the Indiana State season.
VanHooser was a first-team all-Greater Miami Conference defensive back in 2021. He also played wide receiver and ran track.
“Obviously a phenomenal athlete,” Haynes said. He was a great teammate.”
VanHooser was a student-athlete who always said hello to Lakota East administrators in the hallway. He had a respectful, ‘yes, sir, no, sir’ mentality but he had an obvious humorous side.
VanHooser stood in the front row of the student section during boys’ basketball home games and passionately cheered on his classmates and friends.
He joked in good nature with former athletic director Rich Bryant during their conversations.
“He had that smile,” said Bryant, who is starting his first year as the Loveland athletic director. “He was always brightening a room. He was a good all-around kid who always had a smile on his face. He was an incredibly hard worker. He’s that kid. Everyone knew Caleb.”
During homecoming last year, VanHooser and two other teammates dressed as characters from “Hamilton.”
“He was well liked,” Lakota East athletic director Jill Meiring said. “He always had something nice to say to everyone. He was really a great kid.”
Lakota East plans to wear No. 2 decals on their helmets in tribute to VanHooser. The Thunderhawks will also have a moment of silence Friday night when the team plays host to Lakota West.
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