Mishawaka High School to unveil life-size caveman statue in honor of former assistant athletic director

MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- Mishawaka High School officials announced the new life-size statue of the school's mascot will be unveiled on Saturday at noon.

Officials say local sculptor Dave Layman worked swim meets at MHS several years ago when Mike Faulkner was the Assistant Athletic Director.

During that time, officials say Faulkner and Layman began talking about the history and traditions of MHS, and through those conversations, Faulkner had mentioned how great it would be to have a life-size caveman statue at the school

In 2022, when Faulkner was battling cancer, Layman spoke with him about what he'd like the caveman statue to look like, and from his vision, Layman designed the Mishawaka Caveman.

Officials say even though Faulkner has since passed away, they wanted his vision to live on.

Friends and colleagues from School City of Mishawaka, the Mishawaka Parent Group, and the Mishawaka Parks Department worked together to raise the funds to make the statue a reality.

Officials say the Mishawaka Parks Department helped set up a campaign with the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s CreatINg Places Program.

They say this meant the project was eligible for a matching grant from IHCDA’s CreatINg Places, but only if they hit their goal of $50,000 first.

Money was raised through a special concert event and through a "Beef Bash," since Faulkner was given the nickname "Beef" many years ago.

The bash was held on September 30, 2023, at Ironworks Plaza in Mishawaka. All proceeds and donations from the bash went towards the statue.

Officials say after those events and thanks to the generous support of the Mishawaka community, they exceeded the goal of $50,000 and received the matching grant.

The statue was completed and now the community has been invited to celebrate its unveiling at the high school located at 1202 Lincolnway East.

The unveiling will take place in the west parking lot.

Faulkner’s family will do the official unveiling.