METAMORA — There are several things unique about Metamora’s Toepke Gym.
Before every home game, the lights turn off and cheerleaders wave multi-colored glow-in-the-dark sticks as the Redbirds’ starting lineup is announced. A United States flag — much larger than those at other gyms — hangs on the north wall and draws the gaze of fans while Metamora’s band plays a skilled rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
A Mid-Illini Conference standings board hangs on that same wall, while Metamora’s running, dribbling redbird logo is painted on the south wall. Kids line up to try their luck at shooting half-court shots at halftime.
But the thing that separates Toepke Gym the most from its counterparts is the darn good basketball that’s played there, which has resulted in a 40-game home win streak for the Redbirds.