Anthrops continuing to build legacy

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - It is safe to say that the Anthrop family has excelled in athletics.

John Anthrop played for the Purdue men's basketball team from 1977 to 1980. He played for the Boilers when they advanced to the final four. John met Jana Newell in 1980. She was a standout tennis player in high school at Lafayette Jeff and a Purdue alumnus. The two got married in 1983 and had four boys: Jade, Dru, Danny, and Jackson.

"John and I grew up playing sports and that is what we did," said Jana. "After we were married it was seven days a week we would play sports. Once we had children, it really didn't change. I guess it is just natural that they would fall in love with sports."

"You always hope that your children have success in whatever they do and it has been a joy to watch them develop and grow," said John.

Jade grew up playing many different sports but he excelled at basketball with the Knights of Central Catholic. He followed in his father's foot steps and played basketball at the collegiate level at Saint Joseph's.

"Jade being the oldest, he was always out there working and being a great example to his younger brothers," said John. "He went to Saint Joe's and in his last few years he became a valuable team member."

"Ever since I was a little kid I knew that is the path that he took and I wanted to be just like dad," said Jade. "That was my goal to play sports throughout high school and somewhere in college."

Dru also loved the game of basketball. He was a stand out player for the Knights and ended up walking on at Purdue with the men's basketball team. He then earned a scholarship with the Boilers his junior year and is currently a senior on the team this season.

"That is one of the big reasons that I wanted to come to Purdue," said Dru. "It was because he was here and the stories and friends that he had. He told me growing up being able to watch and be apart of the program and to be able to have that chance is something really special."

"The very first time that I seen Dru run out of that tunnel in his Purdue uniform," said Jana. "That was breathtaking."

Danny loved basketball but he found his athletic gift was better suited for the game of football. He led the Knights football team to three state football titles and then earned a scholarship with Purdue's football team in 2012.

"I was really excited for him. He works really hard and he loves Purdue and he loves football," said Dru.

"It was somewhere I had always wanted to go and I think the biggest thing was the relief of having everything down and being able to concentrate on my year," said Danny. "Also, I was going to be able to stay around for four more years in my hometown and that is great."

Jackson is a freshman at Central Catholic. He played football for the Knights this season and helped C.C. win another state football title. He is a player on the Knights basketball team and plans on playing baseball in the spring.

"I don't think Jackson feels any pressure to follow his brothers," said John. "His brothers have been good examples for him and the work ethic for what they have been able to accomplish."

"I look up to them and hope I can do what they do someday," said Jackson. "I think with hard work I can get there. It's a long career and hopefully someday I can get there where they are."

Each member in this family has made a splash in athletics in the Lafayette area. The athletic awards that each of them has racked up is too long to list, but since this family has loved competition, the big questions to ask is, "Who is the best athlete?"

 "I would probably have to say that it is my mom for sure," said Danny.

"It would probably have to be my mom. She is the best athlete," said Jackson.

"After a lot of contemplation, I would have to say, mom!" said Jana.

And whatever you do, don't try to challenge Jana at ping pong!