News
A Letter From the Commissioner
As we welcome the end of another school year, we reflect on the accomplishments of the athletic seasons and celebrate all that's been learned. A few of us played a part on a championship team, but many more of us are champions of high school sports.
In the eyes of the IHSAA, a champion of high school sports is an advocate and supporter of the mission of education-based athletics. Fans, educators, players, coaches, administrators, officials, and broadcasters can all be champions of high school sports. Anyone concerned with protecting and preserving student-athletes' opportunities to grow and develop in the second classroom is a champion of high school sports.
Because high school sports are a teaching tool, I want to extend gratitude to all teachers—not just those in the "second classroom." Those who dedicate themselves to the noble task of teaching deserve our heartfelt appreciation. We applaud their tireless efforts in shaping young minds and unwavering commitment to their students.
In a similar vein, we want to salute all the courageous men and women who willingly serve in the eye of the public. In addition to teachers, we also recognize coaches, contest officials, and police officers. Our gratitude extends to first responders, athletic directors, principals, superintendents, and all who serve in the eye of the public. These individuals navigate their roles with grace and determination, despite the scrutiny accompanying their every move.
With criticism and divisiveness abundant in today's culture, it takes immense courage to step forward as servant leaders in our communities. We often discuss the life lessons like grit, resiliency, and determination that education-based athletics teach. But considering the hyper-critical times we live in, it's important to recognize the value of high school sports, because they provide students with a safe place to make mistakes.
Education-based athletics help student-athletes learn to handle their own mistakes with grace. And they also help student-athletes learn to accept the mistakes of others with understanding and compassion. Recognizing that the second classroom benefits student-athletes in this manner only further emphasizes education-based athletics' role in bettering our culture and making for a better future.
As champions of the educational side of athletics, we emphasize the human element of sports. After all, athletics were designed by humans, are officiated by humans, and are played by humans. Humans are far from perfect. But we are the ideal champions of high school sports when we celebrate the life lessons learned more than a winning score.
My fellow champions: let's celebrate another year in the record books.
Paul Neidig
IHSAA Commissioner
#ThisIsYourIHSAA
Strengthening the Foundation
The 2022-23 school year was an exciting one for the Foundation. Earlier this spring, long-time Assistant Commissioner Chris Kaufman was tapped to fill the role of Foundation President. In addition to his new role, he will continue his commissioner duties of overseeing tennis, golf, and corporate partnerships.
Joining President Kaufman is the Foundation's new Director, Trip Lukemeyer. With a diverse background encompassing roles at the Basketball Hall of Fame and USA Football, Lukemeyer brings a unique skill set to the development of the Foundation.
Both individuals understand the transformative power of education-based athletics. We are excited to see them continue the Foundation's mission: to protect and advance education-based athletics in Indiana.
One of Chris and Trip's top priorities as the new leadership is organizing the Foundation's 8th Annual Golf Outing. It takes place on July 28 at Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel. The event is almost full, so please contact Trip Lukemeyer for more details.
Well-Being Over Winning
Our corporate partners are invaluable teammates in helping support the mission of the IHSAA. Our partners are champions of high school sports, because they celebrate them for their educational value.
Fortè Orthopedics and Sports Medicine is one such partner. The Official Sports Medicine Provider of the IHSAA, Fortè provides athletic trainers and medical professionals at all IHSAA State Finals Events, ensuring the safety and care of all student-athlete participants. We thank them not only for being a great partner to us, but also for their help in keeping education in front of athletics by prioritizing well-being over winning at all costs.
The IHSAA celebrates the late Ken Kaufman, the father of Assistant Commissioner and Foundation President Chris Kaufman. The elder Kaufman served as a contest official for over 40 years, mentoring countless student-athletes, coaches, and officials. In this photo, Kaufman (right) poses alongside his son-in-law and fellow contest official, David George (left).
An Official Thank You
The reality is that competition cannot take place without contest officials. Not only that, but officials are also instrumental in keeping education in front of athletics as they ensure everyone plays by the same rules.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to all officials who helped make high school sports possible this school year. We are truly grateful for everything you do!
Congratulations to Our Winter Champions
|
Sport |
Class |
Champion |
|---|---|---|
|
Girls Swimming & Diving |
-- |
Carmel |
|
Boys Swimming & Diving |
-- |
Carmel |
|
Girls Gymnastics |
-- |
Valparaiso |
|
Boys Wrestling |
-- |
Crown Point |
|
Girls Basketball |
1A |
Lanesville |
|
Girls Basketball |
2A |
Forest Park |
|
Girls Basketball |
3A |
Fairfield |
|
Girls Basketball |
4A |
Bedford North Lawrence |
|
Boys Basketball |
1A |
Indianapolis Lutheran |
|
Boys Basketball |
2A |
Fort Wayne Blackhawk |
|
Boys Basketball |
3A |
NorthWood |
|
Boys Basketball |
4A |
Ben Davis |
Congratulations to the Winter IHSAA
Mental Attitude Award Winners
|
Sport |
Class |
Winner |
School |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Girls Swimming |
-- |
Kirsten Lee |
Carroll (Fort Wayne) |
|
Boys Swimming |
-- |
Will Modglin |
Zionsville |
|
Girls Gymnastics |
-- |
Charlotte Annes |
Crown Point |
|
Boys Wrestling |
-- |
Ashton Jackson |
LaPorte |
|
Girls Basketball |
1A |
Linzie Wernert |
Lanesville |
|
Girls Basketball |
2A |
Amber Tretter |
Forest Park |
|
Girls Basketball |
3A |
Brea Garber |
Fairfield |
|
Girls Basketball |
4A |
Karsyn Norman |
Bedford |
|
Boys Basketball |
1A |
Cole Winer |
SouthWood |
|
Boys Basketball |
2A |
Nathan Frady |
Linton-Stockton |
|
Boys Basketball |
3A |
Ian Raash |
NorthWood |
|
Boys Basketball |
4A |
Shayne Spear |
Kokomo |
2022-23 IHSAA Spring State Championship Events
Boys Track & Field | June 2
Robert C. Haugh Track & Field Complex, Indiana University, Bloomington
Girls Tennis (Team) | June 2–3
Center Grove High School, Greenwood
Unified® Track & Field | June 3
Robert C. Haugh Track & Field Complex, Indiana University, Bloomington
Girls Track & Field | June 3
Robert C. Haugh Track & Field Complex, Indiana University, Bloomington
Girls Tennis (Singles & Doubles) | June 9–10
Park Tudor School, Indianapolis
Boys Golf | June 13–14
Prairie View Golf Club, Carmel
Baseball | June 16–17
Victory Field, Indianapolis