Marcus Gray

In the 1986 classic sports film Hoosiers, Coach Norman Dale (Gene Hackman) tells his high school basketball team that if the players put in the effort and determination, it doesn’t matter what the score is at the end of the game. They’re still winners. They’re a team.

Many fans of the film may dream about achieving their own basketball glory in high school, college, or even in the NBA. In Indiana, particularly, those fans hope they could one day lace up their tennis shoes and play as a member of the Indiana Pacers.

But 2017 sport management alumnus Marcus Gray dribbled his way to success as a member of the Pacers Power Pack. A team of high-energy acrobatic dunkers, the Power Pack members entertain Pacers fans during home basketball games inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The performers spring off trampolines and play with the Pacers’ mascot, Boomer.

(photo: @kingswank6/Instagram)

Gray has been a lifelong fan of the Pacers, attending games since childhood. He played basketball in high school but never imagined he would perform for more than 10,000 basketball fans on a regular basis.

“It’s so much fun to see the kids [in the crowd] get involved in the fun. I love making people smile and entertaining them,” Gray says.

The Pacers Power Pack also travels to select colleges and sporting events across Indiana. As a special occasion, Gray entertained Sycamore fans during a men’s and women’s doubleheader earlier this season.

“It gave me chills. It was refreshing seeing the updated Hulman Center and how much Indiana State has changed since I graduated,” Gray says.

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Indiana State University Halftime Show #Pacers #PowerPack #Sycamores #Dunks

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Gray, an employment specialist at MilliporeSigma, remembers his time as a Sycamore as “the best experience I have had.” He loved the close-knit environment on the campus and being a part of Indiana State’s culture.

“Indiana State is a big family. I grew with my peers and I’ll always be proud of my school,” Gray adds.

Success goes beyond the basketball court. Now, every time Gray jumps off trampolines and makes a slam dunk at Pacers games, he remembers where it all began. He remembers his Sycamore roots. Because school pride begins with BLUE!

(photo: @kingswank6/Instagram)