Page 37 - 2020-21 Girls Track & Field State Finals Program

State Champions Champions Together Initiative

The cancellation of the IHSAA’s 2020 spring season was a major disappointment for so many
of us. Seniors lost their final season to represent their schools or show off their skills in search of a college
scholarship. Coaches ending long careers who lost that one last season. Teams and individuals looking
forward to spring because THAT would be the year for a real run at a state championship. Thousands of
memories and friendships lost.
But no group was more disappointed than those participating in IHSAA Unified Sports® -- athletes,
partners, coaches, parents and fans alike. For many of the athletes, Unified Sports has provided their first
opportunity to participate in organized sports – to represent their schools and communities and learn those
life lessons that come from participation in education-based sports: teamwork and life-long friendships;
learning the value of setting goals, working hard, and following rules; rejoicing in the thrills of victory and
agonies of defeat.
Meanwhile, coaches, officials and student athlete partners lost their opportunity to celebrate what many of
them call a profoundly life-changing experience that embraces a truly inclusive philosophy.

After six years, Unified Sports and Champions Together is recognized as a powerful tool for principals
around the state who seek to change the culture of their school to reflect that inclusivity. Record registra-
tions for both last spring’s Unified Track and Field and this fall’s Unified Flag Football were indicative of
their commitment.

And then, along with so many other things, the pandemic pre-empted nearly one-third of the entire IHSAA
2019 IHSAA Unified Track and Field State Champion membership (140 teams!) from participating in Unified Track and Field. As we tenuously entered the fall,
the original field of 52 Unified Flag Football teams dropped to 32.
Valparaiso
Year Champion Runner-Up Score Venue Nonetheless, the “inclusion revolution” marches on.
2013-14 Warsaw Community Mt. Vernon 101-91 Robert Haugh Complex, IU
2014-15 Lafayette Jefferson Kokomo 100-97 Robert Haugh Complex, IU We are all navigating a “new normal.” We’ve modified schedules as well as practice and game protocols;
2015-16 Warsaw Community Noblesville 107-103 Robert Haugh Complex, IU we mask up and social distance with a bit of uncertainty, not exactly knowing what tomorrow will bring. But
2016-17 Merrillville Harrison 98-94 Robert Haugh Complex, IU one thing is certain: Our IHSAA student athletes, schools and communities have gained so much more
2017-18 Elkhart Memorial Merrillville 104-101 Robert Haugh Complex, IU than they ever imagined when they began participating in the Champions Together program. In these un-
2018-19 Valparaiso Bedford North Lawrence 124-109 Robert Haugh Complex, IU certain times, the lessons learned are comforting. Participating in Unified Sports is bigger than winning and
2019-20 Tournament Cancelled due to Coronavirus Pandemic losing. Student athlete partners realize that they are not participating FOR those with intellectual disabili-
ties, which implies pity, but rather participating WITH them, implying an attitude of respect and friendship.
Upon reflecting on the many accomplishments of his nine-year tenure at the helm of the IHSAA, retiring
Commissioner Bobby Cox noted that the sanctioning of Unified Sports was the accomplishment that made
him most proud. We believe everyone involved in Unified Sports would agree.
And we’ve never been more committed to the #InclusionRevolution. #PlayUnified!
Bobby Cox Spirit of Unified Mental Attitude Award Lee Lonzo – Champions Together Director

At the conclusion of the state finals, the IHSAA Executive Committee will present the
Bobby Cox Spirit of Unified Mental Attitude Award to an athlete and partner competing in
today’s contest.
An athlete, who was nominated by their principal and coach, must excel in mental
attitude, joy, courage, self-advocacy, and commitment during their time in high school.
A partner, who was nominated by their principal and coach, must excel in mental attitude,
inclusive behavior, courage, advocacy, and commitment during their time in high school.
This award is named in honor of Bobby Cox, who served as the Association’s eighth
commissioner from 2011 to 2020, whose embrace of the Champions Together project
led to the establishment of Unified Flag Football and Unified Track & Field as the newest
Bobby Cox IHSAA sports.

36 IHSAA - Pure Spirit. Pure Sport! IHSAA - Pure Spirit. Pure Sport! 37