At the conclusion of the state finals, the IHSAA Executive Committee presents an award for mental attitude to an outstanding senior participant in the boys soccer state tournament. The recipient of this award, who was nominated by his principal and coach, must excel in mental attitude, scholarship, leadership and athletic ability in soccer. The award is named in honor of Mr. Cato, who served the IHSAA as its fifth commissioner from 1983 to 1995. During his tenure, boys and girls soccer became the 19th and 20th sports to be sponsored by the IHSAA. Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, IHSAA corporate partner, presents a $1,000 scholarship to the school in the name of the recipient.
| Year |
Name |
School |
| 2009-10 |
Harrison Petts |
Zionsville |
| 2008-09 |
Trev Wilgus |
Evansville Memorial |
| 2007-08 |
Mitchell Day |
Evansville Memorial |
| 2006-07 |
Zachary Carr |
Carmel |
| 2005-06 |
Robert Bercovitz |
North Central (Indianapolis) |
| 2004-05 |
Ryan Tunis |
Fort Wayne Canterbury |
| 2003-04 |
Dan Fox |
Carroll (Fort Wayne) |
| 2002-03 |
Kent Melchiors |
Evansville Memorial |
| 2001-02 |
Matt Lovell |
Brownsburg |
| 2000-01 |
Pat McBride |
Castle |
| 1999-00 |
Matthew Abbott |
Penn |
| 1998-99 |
Cyle Graber |
Washington |
| 1997-98 |
Andrew Crouch |
Washington |
| 1996-97 |
Zack Schaub |
Washington |
| 1995-96 |
Greg Gotwald |
Washington |
| 1994-95 |
Tory Harris |
North Central (Indianapolis) |