Defense wins championships, or sometimes, wins a pond.
The City of Bloomington temporarily renamed the retention pond at Miller-Showers Park “D’Angelo’s Pond” after Indiana football junior defensive back D’Angelo Ponds, according to a Tuesday press release.
The rename comes after No. 1 Indiana football’s semifinal win against No. 5 Oregon 56-22 in the College Football Playoff. Ponds intercepted Oregon redshirt sophomore quarterback Dante Moore in the first play of the game, scoring a touchdown and earning defensive MVP of the game.
This was the result of a social media campaign started by fans. An X post called it a “movement to name this (seemingly unnamed) pond in Bloomington.”
For the rest of the week, the city will recognize the pond by its unofficial name as the Hoosiers get ready for the College Football Playoff National Championship. Indiana will face the No. 10 University of Miami at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Miller-Showers Park is located on 1500 N. College Ave. The pond captures runoff, slows water during heavy rain, filters pollutants and protects waterways, according to the press release.
“This is peak Bloomington,” Mayor Kerry Thomson said in the press release. “It’s playful, communal and exactly the kind of wholesome quirk that makes our city so special.”
The newly-named pond currently has 233 five-star reviews on Google Maps.
“70% of Earth is covered by Oceans, Seas and Lakes. The other 30% is covered by Ponds,” one commenter wrote.
Tuesday is also Ponds’ birthday, adding to an already memorable few weeks for the defensive back. According to ESPN, Ponds has had 55 tackles and two interceptions this season.
