When the area’s top girls basketball team takes the court on Saturday afternoon for a makeup game against Noblesville, their coach knows it will be his last on the sidelines for a while.
Homestead coach Rod Parker, who has turned the Spartan program into a juggernaut over the past 19 seasons, has been diagnosed with cancer. He will have his first surgery related to the ailment this coming Tuesday.
There is no specific timetable for his return to the sidelines. Varsity assistant Kara Ankenbruck is expected to serve as the interim head coach.
Homestead has started this season 6-0 heading into Saturday’s game and is 320-119 during Parker’s tenure. They made a state finals appearance in 2015 and won the Class 4A state title in 2017 under Parker’s leadership.
Parker has chosen not to speak deeper on the subject at this time; we at Outside the Huddle respect his wishes and will join in the community of support and thoughts for the Parker family at this time.
Thoughts and prayers for Rod, Missy and Parker family.