Indiana High School Athletic Association Commissioner Blake Ress announced today that the IHSAA Executive Committee has approved the selection of Jerry Baker as Sports Information Director for the organization, replacing Jim Russell, who resigned the position in December to become Executive Director of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity in Indianapolis.

As Sports Information Director, Baker will report directly to Commissioner Ress, while working closely with the Associate and Assistant Commissioners and the Executive Committee of the IHSAA. He will be the liaison with the media, both print and electronic, statewide, in conjunction with Farm Bureau Insurance, IHSAA corporate sponsor, and its representatives. Baker will begin his duties on Jan. 14.

Baker is a veteran member of the Indianapolis media, having been the television voice of the IHSAA for its championship events since 1978 as well as serving in numerous capacities for various radio and television stations and the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association.

"With a recognizable voice that has been associated with the Indiana High School Athletic Association's football and basketball tournaments for many years," said Ress, "I am excited that Jerry Baker has agreed to officially join our staff."

"I have been happily associated with the organization for a number of years," Baker said. "I know the personnel who are involved on a day-to-day basis there, as well as many of the Athletic Directors, Principals and Superintendents at the schools throughout the state and have developed a strong relationship with them. I firmly believe in what the IHSAA represents and feel comfortable with the high standards by which they operate. My predecessors, Bob Williams and Jim Russell, have been outstanding in performing the duties of Sports Information Director and I intend to work hard to attain and continue those levels of performance."

Added Ress, "With the IHSAA's centennial celebration just over the horizon in 2003-04, Jerry, with his broad range of experiences, will play a strong role in the evolvement of this event and making it a successful reality."

Baker is a graduate of Sullivan (Indiana) High School and has a B.S. Degree in Radio-Television from Indiana State University, where he was awarded the State Radio Guild Award, presented annually to the outstanding member of the Senior class in the Radio-Television Department. He is a member of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, having been the recipient of the 2000 Silver Medallion Award. He has been named Indiana Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association Broadcaster of the Year. He is a member of the Indiana Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association, as well as the Southwest Indiana High School Athletic Halls of Fame. He was the recipient of the IHSAA 2000 Distinguished Media Service Award. Baker has received a Special Commendation from the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association for "outstanding contributions to high school athletics."

He and his wife, Ramona, reside in Indianapolis.