Inspired by Biblical references to Noah's motivation from God to build an ark over 75-100 years, Greenwood basketball enthusiast Jonny Marlin plans to open the area’s first large-scale indoor sports facility, reverentially named The Ark.
"Ten years ago, when I prayed about my dream of creating a sports complex and training center that provided a safe sports gathering spot dedicated to the highest levels of performance, God impressed on my heart to have that premier destination here in Greenwood," recalls Jonny, a two-time NAIA First Team All-American, a two-time All-Crossroads League First Team honoree and NCCAA National Player of the Year in 2015.
The Center Grove High School graduate started practicing persistence and consistency in basketball at his family's home, after his parents turned their backyard into a full-sized hoop court for his training when he was in first grade. About 15 years ago, he says he began providing basketball lessons to others on that same court. The popularity and need for those lessons increased so much, with 160 people weekly, he hired two extra trainers to assist during 2017-2018.
Under the umbrella of the Marlin Academy, first initiated during 2012 as 'J-Mar Handles,' Jonny and staff were supporting standout basketball players through many sports teams. He says they were applying just about every Southside gym court they could get their hands on, sometimes using five or six courts a night.
If they wanted to grow and accommodate more athletes due to the snowball effect at the time, Jonny says there was an obvious "court dilemma." Hence, the plans for The Ark materialized.
"Every sports team talks about being the best, but not all of them are willing to pay the price that it takes to do so. We strive to provide sports-centric, elevated experiences and to really have the conviction to be the absolute best," explains Jonny.
The Ark will feature seven, full-length indoor basketball courts that can be converted into 12 volleyball courts, a 6,500-square-foot weight conditioning area, four baseball tunnels, offices, conference rooms and space for retail areas.
The nearly 100,000 square feet complex in Greenwood will be the new home of the Marlin Academy, offering a faith-driven approach to athletic skill development. "We want to incorporate the discipleship portion, too," says Jonny.
The group's Little Dribblers and Spikers program will embrace players as young as 4 years old. Jonny says other offerings will include youth, college-aged athletes, NBA professionals and overseas athletes, as well as men's basketball leagues and tournaments. He says they plan to coach 50-plus teams this spring.
"In fact, our first official event scheduled is a basketball tournament from July 31 through Aug. 1 and 2 for men who are 35 years, 40 years and 70 years and older," he adds.
The Ark facility is located southeast of the intersection of State Road 135 and Stones Crossing, along St. Clare Way on property that Jonny purchased from the owners of Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center in Franklin.
As founder/CEO/head coach, Jonny's aiming to open The Ark by mid- to late-June, and to be fully operational by the Fourth of July. The staff currently stands at 11, and three more full-time employees are expected to be brought on-board this summer.
"We'll have individual or group training, teams, tournaments, camps, clinics and speed with jump training. We'll also have two retail spaces intended to be rented to fellow sports-oriented professionals, such as physical therapists, chiropractors and nutritionists. We plan to show films of the teams' games in our conference rooms, too," states Jonny.
"Regarding this mission, I also like that in basketball, there's a 3-point arc. Some developments in our Ark project don't make sense until you realize it's God's work. Our programs and environment is where potential meets purpose. We support others in becoming faith-fueled champions on and off the courts."
Jonathan "Jonny" Marlin starred in basketball at Center Grove High School before graduating in 2011. He played at Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne and Indiana University before finding success at Indiana Wesleyan University. As founder/owner of Marlin Academy, he learned firsthand what sporting and training needs were needed to support Southside residents.