Indiana High School Athletic Association

     9150 North Meridian Street, Box 40650, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240-0650

Phone: 317-846-6601    Fax: 317-575-4244    Website: www.ihsaa.org

Blake Ress, Commissioner

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MEDIA ADVISORY                                                              January 20, 2003

Contact: Blake Ress, Commissioner                                                                      

E-Mail: bress@ihsaa.org

 

DEAN HUPPERT TO BE HONORED WITH IHSAA MEDIA SERVICE AWARD

Dean Huppert, sports director for WSJV-TV, Fox 28 in South Bend, has been named the 2002-03 recipient of the IHSAA Distinguished Media Service Award for District I. He will be honored Friday, January 24 during a special ceremony at the Fairfield-Westview boys basketball game in Westview.

 

Huppert was promoted to sports director at WSJV in1995 and has been with the Fox affiliate since 1991. An Associated Press award winner, Huppert is known for his weekly "Deano Awards," the Fox 28 Golf Challenge, and the Fox 28 Sports Extra – a Friday night sports show that airs in the Michiana area. The Extra crew has been known to have highlights from as many as 20 games in a single night.

 

He has served as host of the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon since 1995 and also serves on the advisory board for the Elkhart Area Career Center. He also speaks regularly to local organizations and hosts many local pageants and events.

 

Huppert started his broadcasting career in 6th grade, when for $3 a game, a hot dog and a pop he'd keep stats and announce softball games.

 

Besides working in sports, Huppert also plays fast-pitch softball and has been to five national tournaments. He also plays golf and skis.

 

A life-long Michiana resident, Huppert grew up in Bremen, where he earned 10 varsity letters with the Lions in baseball, basketball and tennis. He went to the University of Indianapolis, setting a record for most wins in a season on the Greyhound tennis squad.

 

His favorite saying comes from Mary Lou Wood, widow of basketball legend Marv Wood, who coached Milan to the 1954 State Basketball Championship: "It's nice to be important. But it's more important to be nice."

 

This is the 19th year the IHSAA has recognized an outstanding member of the Indiana media from its three legislative districts for excellence in the coverage of high school sports. District I includes 22 counties that stretch across northern Indiana. Huppert is the first recipient of this school year with two other honorees to be named in coming weeks.

 

On behalf of all 392 member schools of the Indiana High School Athletic Association, we salute Dean Huppert and thank him for his dedicated service to high school athletics in our state by proudly presenting him with the 2002-2003 Distinguished Media Service Award.

 

Previous award recipients from District I include:

1984-85         Bill Redfield, Michigan City News-Dispatch

1985-86         Dave Krider, LaPorte Herald-Argus

1986-87         John Mutka, Gary Post-Tribune

1987-88         Marty Shahbaz, Lake County Star

1988-89         Jeff Washburn, Lafayette Journal & Courier

1989-90         Harold Welter, WKVI Radio, Knox

1990-91         John Quigley, Portage Journal Press

1991-92         John Salomon, WNJY Radio, Monticello

1992-93         Bill Overholser, WIBN Radio, Fowler

1993-94         Keith Nuest, Kouts Times

1994-95         Earl Mishler, LaPorte Herald-Argus

1995-96         Rick Derf / Corky Lingle, WTCA Radio, Plymouth

1996-97         Al Hamnik, Gary Post-Tribune

1997-98         Milt Hess, WHZR Radio, Logansport

1998-99         Joe Arredondo, WYIN-TV, Merrillville

1999-00         Paul Condry, Regional Radio Sports, Crown Point

2000-01         Mike Montgomery, WSAL-AM/WLHM-FM Radio, Logansport

2001-02         Rita Price, WRSW Radio, Warsaw

 

 

IHSAA 02-03/20