For the first time in over four decades, the Vero Beach High School Fighting Indians are heading to the state championship, and the local community has a unique way to show their pride. As the team prepares to face Lake Mary in the Class 7A state title game, TCPalm and the Indian River Press Journal have released a special keepsake to mark this historic occasion.
To celebrate the team’s first appearance in a state title game in 44 years, the Friday, Dec. 12 edition of the Indian River Press Journal features a dedicated, commemorative front page. This special edition is designed with a unique horizontal layout, specifically intended for fans to display in local business windows, on their homes, or even on their vehicles to cheer on the squad.
The front page imagery captures the intensity of the team’s journey, showcasing a photo of the Fighting Indians’ dramatic entrance onto the field at the Citrus Bowl. This moment followed a thrilling victory over Miami Palmetto, where Vero Beach secured their spot in the finals with a one-point win in double overtime.
The Fighting Indians will play for the championship title on Saturday, Dec. 13, at FIU’s Pitbull Stadium in Miami. Community members are encouraged to bring copies of this special front page to the game to wave in the stands or to display them at local watch parties.
How to Get Your Commemorative Copy
Residents of Vero Beach and Indian River County have several ways to acquire this piece of local sports history, whether they are current newspaper subscribers or not:
- At Local Stores: Non-subscribers can purchase the physical paper at grocery and convenience stores throughout Indian River County while supplies last.
- At the School: Extra copies may be available during the team’s sendoff celebration at the high school.
- On the Fan Buses: Fans traveling on the “Magic Carpet” buses to Miami may also have access to copies.
- Digital Download: Digital subscribers can access the eNewspaper to download and print the page.
- Free Print-at-Home Option: TCPalm has made the front page available as a free download for the general public, allowing anyone to print the poster at home without a subscription.
This championship run has energized the Vero Beach community, offering a rallying point for residents across Indian River County. Whether waving the paper in the stands in Miami or taping it to a storefront window on Ocean Drive, this is a prime opportunity for locals to show their support for the Fighting Indians. Go, Vero!
