Contestants from America's Best Couple win distinction of Pride of Milan, Indiana, with Mike Tussey in the spotlight
In the heart of Indiana, a small town named Milan is making waves, not just once, but twice. The town, with a population of around 1100, has been the birthplace of two extraordinary stories of victory, 60 years apart.
Currently, the spotlight is on Dave and Karen, a local couple who have found themselves in the running for Variety magazine's 'America's Favorite Couple!' contest, with a grand prize of $20,000 at stake.
Their journey, however, began long before this contest. They met at a school Valentine dance in their youth and have since called Milan, Indiana home for 28 years. The peaceful environment of the town was a draw for them, especially when they decided to raise their son, Sam, there.
In 2015, Sam followed in the footsteps of his hometown heroes, joining the Thomas More College Saints football team as a freshman. The team, under the guidance of head coach Regis Scafe, was already making a name for itself, earning the nickname 'The Road Masters.'
That year was a memorable one for the Saints. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the football season, they faced a significant loss. Defensive player Mitch Krammer was tragically killed in a vehicle accident. The team, however, showed resilience, playing the season through in his memory.
Sam was a key player in the team's undefeated 11-0 season, contributing significantly to the team's impressive average of 217 rushing yards per game. Their win was dubbed 'The Milan Miracle,' a fitting title given the town's size and the improbable victory.
Interestingly, the story of the Milan Miracle has been depicted in the 1986 movie 'Hoosiers,' a testament to the enduring legacy of the 1954 Milan High School basketball team, who also won the State Championship.
Dave and Karen, like Sam and the 1954 Milan basketball champs, share a love for competition and winning. They have already celebrated significant milestones together, such as their trip to Alaska for their 30th Anniversary, and have plans to visit Hawaii and California in the future.
Through thick and thin, the spirit of Milan remains unbroken, its residents continuing to make a mark in the world of sports and beyond. As Dave and Karen compete in Variety magazine's contest, they embody the resilience and determination that has become synonymous with their hometown.
