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The Spectator Newsletter: Fall 2023

Posted: November 9, 2023
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Header image of a volleyball player with text: The Spectator - Official Newsletter of the IHSAA.

 


 

A Letter From the Commissioner

My friends, as we enter the final stretch of the 2023 fall tournament season, I’d like to begin the Thanksgiving season by sharing a few things I’m thankful for:

I’m thankful for our state tournaments. The contests that are played throughout the fall season give our communities reason to come together. And yes, as an Association, we will celebrate those who raise a trophy at the end of each season. But more importantly, we will give thanks for the lessons learned along the journey of education-based athletics.

After all, high school sports are not a zero-sum game. Just because there is only one state champion at the end of a season does not mean that all other teams and student-athletes are failures. On the contrary, it is their experience in the world of high school sports that will shape and influence them for years after their final game has been played.

To that end, I’m thankful for education-based athletics. As an educator, I’m grateful that we have such a profound tool at our disposal. A tool that helps us teach the next generation of leaders and civil servants real life lessons in an environment where it’s safe for them to fail. And not only safe to fail, but safe to try again. And again. And again. Until they have developed the habits, skills, and tools they need to make a positive impact in this world.

I’m thankful for the principles our Association was founded on. These are the principles that have kept education in front of athletics since 1903. They allow us to protect and preserve the educational power of high school sports in Indiana. They’re also the same principles we aim to teach our student-athletes. Principles like commitment, integrity, character, and sportsmanship become more than just words for student-athletes when they participate in an education-based athletic program.

But we must have a system that protects this for generations to come. We must have the courage to do what’s right by education-based athletics, even when doing what’s right isn’t easy. Regardless of the thrill that state championships may bring, regardless of the excitement of a sectional title or a broken record, we must always ensure that education is at the core of our athletic programs.

I’m thankful for Indiana educators—our teachers, coaches, and administrators who have that courage to do what’s right, especially while serving in the eye of the public. The example our educators give by holding to their values and making hard decisions—always for the betterment of their students—is an inspiration. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with and serve you.

Thank you for championing education-based athletics.

 

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Paul Neidig headshot.
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Paul Neidig's signature.

 


Paul Neidig
IHSAA Commissioner
#ThisIsYourIHSAA

 


 

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Header image of Lucas Oil Stadium with Colts logo and text: Thank you!

 

Celebrating 15 Remarkable Years With the Colts

This year marks the 15th anniversary of our esteemed partnership with the Indianapolis Colts—a relationship that stands as a testament to their unparalleled support for high school football in Indiana. As the presenting partners of the Football Tournament, the Colts have redefined what it means to be a corporate sponsor and presenting partner.

The Colts were the first-ever NFL team to sponsor a state high school association. Their enduring commitment resonates across the entire Indiana football community, inspiring and uplifting countless student-athletes. As the Football Tournament unfolds, we extend the best to all competing teams and extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Indianapolis Colts.

 


 

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IHSAA and Eventlink logos.

 

Looking Ahead With Eventlink

The IHSAA has always been at the forefront of embracing innovation to improve the high school sports experience for member schools, athletic directors, student-athletes, and fans. This year, we’re thrilled to activate our new partnership with Eventlink.

An Indiana-based company, Eventlink software provides the IHSAA with a digital ticketing platform. Member schools can now offer their communities the convenience of digital ticketing for regular-season events. Fans can also purchase tickets to most IHSAA tournament events, including the upcoming Football Regional and Semi-State contests. Secure your tickets via Eventlink today.

 


 

Congratulations to Our Spring Champions

Sport

Class

Champion

Girls Track & Field

--

Noblesville

Boys Track & Field

--

Brownsburg

Unified® Track & Field

--

Noblesville

Girls Tennis (Team)

--

Carmel

Girls Tennis (Singles)

--

Kathryn Wilson,
Columbus North

Girls Tennis (Doubles)

--

Allison Schnarr and Brailyn Whaley,
Jasper

Boys Golf

--

Guerin Catholic

Softball

1A

Tecumseh

Softball

2A

North Posey

Softball

3A

New Prairie

Softball

4A

Penn

Baseball

1A

Lafayette Central Catholic

Baseball

2A

Illiana Christian

Baseball

3A

Silver Creek

Baseball

4A

Penn

 


 

Congratulations to the Spring IHSAA
Mental Attitude Award Winners

Sport

Class

Winner

School

Girls Track & Field

--

Rachel Mehringer

Forest Park

Boys Track & Field

--

Sean Woods

Corydon Central

Unified® Track & Field

--

Justin Lovell and Andrew Cockerham

Bloomington North

Girls Tennis

--

Ally Wigand

Jasper

Boys Golf

--

Jacob Modleski

Guerin Catholic

Softball

1A

Kinzie Mollenkopf

Caston

Softball

2A

Madison Olander

North Posey

Softball

3A

Ava Sullivan

Tri-West Hendricks

Softball

4A

Abbey Hofmann

Roncalli

Baseball

1A

Ryan Schummer

Lafayette
Central Catholic

Baseball

2A

Gavin Tindall

Covenant Christian

Baseball

3A

Antonio Barnes

Andrean

Baseball

4A

Zachary Pelletier

Penn

 


 

Congratulations to the Spring IHSAA
Champions of Education Award Winners

Sport

Class

Winners

Softball

1A

Teresa Button, Caston
Kori Kutzler, Tecumseh

Softball

2A

Denise Maldonado, Andrean
Carrie Schmitt, North Posey

Softball

3A

Jimmy Schwingendorf, New Prairie
Dan Ross, Tri-West Hendricks

Softball

4A

Brian Griman, Penn
Gerard Striby, Roncalli

Baseball

1A

David Cornelius, Lafayette Central Catholic
Kevin Roy, Barr-Reeve

Baseball

2A

Bill Venhuizen, Illiana Christian
Scott Flatt, Covenant Christian

Baseball

3A

Denise Maldonado, Andrean
Connie Holstine, Silver Creek

Baseball

4A

Matt Cates, Penn
Marty Mills, Center Grove

 


 

2023-24 IHSAA Fall State Championship Events

Girls Golf — September 29–30
Results | Recap

Boys Tennis (Team) — October 13–14
Results | Recap

Unified® Flag Football — October 14
Results | Recap

Boys Tennis (Individual) — October 20–21
Results

Girls Cross Country — October 28
Results | Recap

Boys Cross Country — October 28
Results | Recap

Girls Soccer — October 27–28
Results | 1A Recap | 2A Recap | 3A Recap

Boys Soccer — October 27–28
Results | 1A Recap | 2A Recap | 3A Recap

Girls Volleyball — November 4
Results | 1A Recap | 2A Recap | 3A Recap | 4A Recap

Football — November 24–25
Results | 1A Recap | 2A Recap | 3A Recap | 4A Recap | 5A Recap | 6A Recap