By Allison Slanker
February 15th, 2026
Every year, bowlers from across the country gather for a spirited competition at the Hoosier Classic, one of the Midwest’s largest bowling tournaments. But for many, this event is about far more than trophies and titles; it is about hope.
“We always wanted to make the tournament more than a tournament,” said organizer Nick Hogland. And that’s exactly what it has become.
The Hoosier Classic partners with Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana each year to help grant the wish of a local child battling a critical illness. Through a $20 entry fee, raffles, sponsorships, and generous donations, the tournament raises thousands of dollars to make a dream come true.
From the very beginning, the bowling program at Huntington University stepped up in a special way. The team was one of the first to personally provide gifts for the Make-A-Wish child honored at the event.
“No one has asked them to do that,” Hogland said. “They put a lot of thought and effort into it. It’s like servant leadership at its finest.”
For nine years, Huntington University has continued this tradition and remains the only original team still supporting the cause in this way. What began as a team-funded effort has grown into something much bigger.
“Early on, all donations and funds were from the team,” Head Coach Mike Shockey recalled. “About three years ago, the school started to support us. Then we started getting donations from businesses, professors, and people within the community.”
Despite the growth, one thing has remained the same: the athletes lead the effort. Shockey gives them full responsibility for collecting donations and purchasing gifts. “I like seeing how much the team dives into it and gets involved,” he said.
For these athletes, the Hoosier Classic is not just about performance on the lanes but about making a difference.
When Jaeleigh was just 12 years old, her life changed in an instant. What began as extreme bloating led to an emergency room visit and a CT scan that revealed devastating news: She was carrying an eight-pound mass on her ovary.
She was immediately transferred to Riley Hospital for Children, where doctors successfully removed the mass. But the battle was not over. Further testing confirmed that it was cancer. Treatment began, hospital stays became routine, fear and uncertainty became daily realities.
“It was hard,” Jaeleigh said. “My family was there to support me, though. They were amazing. All my nurses were so supportive. I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Her family leaned on faith and one another through every setback. “God got her through this for sure,” her mother said.
After finishing treatment, doctors discovered three more tumors, each about the size of a golf ball. Another surgery followed, along with three additional five-day rounds of treatment. In total, she spent nearly three weeks in the hospital during that final stretch. And then came the moment every cancer patient dreams of.
After her final treatment, Jaeleigh rang the bell, the powerful symbol that she was officially cancer-free.
Her message to others facing their own battles? “Don’t give up. It gets better. Live life to the fullest.”
Now, Jaeleigh is preparing for her wish to come true. Next week, she and her family will travel to Turks and Caicos for a weeklong getaway. She is most excited to see the crystal-clear water and go parasailing!
This year, the Huntington University team raised more than $700 to personally bless Jaeleigh with gifts chosen just for her. Among them were cozy Squishmallows, thoughtful self-care items, and a Polaroid camera so she can capture memories on her trip to Turks and Caicos!
For the team, it wasn’t just about buying presents, but it was about showing Jaeleigh that an entire community is behind her, cheering her on as she steps into this next chapter of her life.
The Hoosier Classic proves that sports can be a vessel for something greater.
What happens on the lanes matters, but what happens off them matters more. Each frame bowled, each raffle ticket purchased, and each dollar donated moves a child one step closer to joy during an unimaginably difficult time.
To support future wishes, visit Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana at wish.org/oki and help make more dreams come true.
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