Hall of Fame Basketball Player. He was known for his great speed, tenacious style of play and outstanding ball handling and shooting abilities, and is considered by some to the best Indiana basketball player of all time. He became a starter at Franklin Community High School as a freshman and led the team to the state finals in 1919. He was the principal player on the "Franklin Wonder Five," who won state championships in 1920, 1921 and 1922. During that string, Vandivier became the only player to earn all-state honors for three years consecutively. The Wonder Five advanced together to local Franklin College, where they gained national prominence and Vandivier earned recognition as the Chicago Tribune's collegiate player of the year. A serious back injury during his senior year prevented him from advancing to the professional ranks. Vandivier coached for 18 years at Franklin Community High School, served as athletic director for another 17 years, and didn't end his teaching career until 1968. Vandivier is also remembered for his humility and commitment to the Franklin community. Rather than going into college coaching or pursuing more prestigious positions, he spent his entire working career at Franklin High, where the gymnasium has is named in his honor. The gymnasium of the former Franklin High School has been named in honor of the Wonder Five. Legendary coach John Wooden has identified Vandivier as one of his personal role models.
Hall of Fame Basketball Player. He was known for his great speed, tenacious style of play and outstanding ball handling and shooting abilities, and is considered by some to the best Indiana basketball player of all time. He became a starter at Franklin Community High School as a freshman and led the team to the state finals in 1919. He was the principal player on the "Franklin Wonder Five," who won state championships in 1920, 1921 and 1922. During that string, Vandivier became the only player to earn all-state honors for three years consecutively. The Wonder Five advanced together to local Franklin College, where they gained national prominence and Vandivier earned recognition as the Chicago Tribune's collegiate player of the year. A serious back injury during his senior year prevented him from advancing to the professional ranks. Vandivier coached for 18 years at Franklin Community High School, served as athletic director for another 17 years, and didn't end his teaching career until 1968. Vandivier is also remembered for his humility and commitment to the Franklin community. Rather than going into college coaching or pursuing more prestigious positions, he spent his entire working career at Franklin High, where the gymnasium has is named in his honor. The gymnasium of the former Franklin High School has been named in honor of the Wonder Five. Legendary coach John Wooden has identified Vandivier as one of his personal role models.
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