One of Indy's Original Game Changers

Remembering a Game Changer

I remember back in the the late 70's on into the 1980's how much of a 'Game Changer" the late Stacy Toran was during his playing days at Broad Ripple High School, Notre Dame, and with the Los Angeles Raiders.

My brothers were stellar student-athletes at Northwest High School and I was a young Middle School developing athlete. My brother Timmy was an All City, All State and All Star running back who battled Toran also an All City, All State and All Star player on the gridiron. I always marveled at the athleticism of his size, but of course I was cheering for my brother to win. My other brother Tommy...Timmy's twin was equally adept as a student-athlete, but on the hardwood where again they battled Toran and the Ripple Rockets. I remember those battles like they were yesterday. Toran led the Rockets to the 1980 State Championship where he is known for his beyond half court buzzer beater.

I then followed Toran when he matriculated to Notre Dame and every Saturday afternoon it seemed the Fighting Irish were playing in a big game and Toran was making a big play. I not on emulated what my brothers were doing on the football field and basketball court, I emulated what Stacy Toran was doing as well. I wanted to be  a star in high school and college!

Toran was drafted in the 6th round of the 1984 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Raiders. He played for the Raiders for 5 seasons most as a starter at Strong Safety where he was known as a fierce tackler. Unfortunately he was killed in an automobile accident on August 5, 1989 at age 27 and in the prime of his career. The owner of the Raiders the late Al Davis called Toran one of the great talents to ever wear the Silver and Black."

His legacy lives on through the Stacy Toran Foundation. A not for profit organization established in 1998 to honor his memory led by his brother Derrick Toran. STF is designed to address the knowledge skills and behaviors all students need to live, plan and work successfully in today's society. For more information on the Stacy Toran Foundation contact 317-693-5720 or visit the website at http://www.stf.org/

We Salute one of Indy's original Game Changers!

                                                                  The Big Shot!

#30 Toran chasing down Mark Bavaro

Indy's Finest!