Remembering the 1966 Railroaders

Written by: Kenneth Cutler and Dan Vance

The 1966 Railroaders remain the only undefeated regular-season boys basketball team in Garrett High School history, finishing the regular season with a perfect 20–0 record. That season, Garrett also held the distinction of being the only undefeated team in the state of Indiana, earning a No. 3 state ranking in the era before class basketball.

Garrett outscored their opponents, on average, 77.5 to 46.8 points per game while featuring seven senior players. The 112 points scored against Avilla that season remains the most a Garrett basketball team has ever scored.

The team continued its remarkable run into tournament play, capturing the Kendallville Sectional Championship and improving its record to 24–0 following a regional victory over Fort Wayne North Side. The season ultimately concluded with a loss to Fort Wayne South Side in the regional championship game.

Garrett’s success extended beyond the varsity level that year. The junior varsity squad also completed an undefeated regular season at 18–0. The JV Railroaders later competed in a one-day special invitational featuring the top teams in the state, where they suffered losses to Marion and Lafayette Jefferson.

The team featured two future Indiana Basketball Hall of Famers with 1966 Indiana All-Star Chuck Bavis (class of 1966) and Tony Miller (class of 1969), who went on to play at Purdue and Florida, respectively. Bavis was a third team All-American as a senior in 1966 and broke the school and county scoring records. Bavis made 269 shots in his senior season, still a Garrett boys basketball record, as is his 639 points scored that season.

12 members of the 1966 teams returned in 2026 for the celebration. Those attending include seniors cheerleader Nancy (Capin) Feagler, players Dave Miller, Dave Stewart, and Jim Vogel; juniors Scott Bishop, Dave Clark, Ron Cutler, and Mike Jacob; sophomores Dan Clark, Mike Heitz, and Wayne Roberts; and freshman Tony Miller, the only ninth-grader on the team.

Garrett High School greatly enjoyed honoring these Railroaders and recognizing a legacy that continues to define excellence in the program’s proud basketball tradition.