Page 36 - 2022-23 Unified Track & Field State Finals Program

Unified State Champions Champions Together Initiative

This exceptional program started in 2012 when former IHSAA Commissioner Bobby Cox
challenged the IHSAA Student Advisory Committee (S.A.C.) to find an organization to partner with
to build and maintain a legacy of servant leadership. The S.A.C. set out to find a not-for-profit
organization that would be dedicated to supporting this goal. Eventually, the S.A.C. unanimously
recommended that a partnership be formed between the IHSAA and Special Olympics Indiana
(SOIN) based on a “mutual love of sports”. The IHSAA Executive Committee supported that
recommendation and the Champions Together partnership was born and introduced to the IHSAA
membership with the philosophy, “Servant Leadership, Changing Lives”.
Champions Together has experienced exceptional growth since its inception. This initiative started
with 13 schools participating in Unified Sports® in the inaugural Unified Track and Field State
Tournament in 2013. Now retired Champions Together Director, Lee Lonzo, traveled across the
state with Special Olympics Advocates Mitch Bonar and Andrew Peterson spreading the ideas of
inclusion, acceptance and respect to school leaders and student bodies. Unified Flag Football
launched in 2018 and has grown from 25 schools participating in the inaugural State Tournament to
2021-22 IHSAA Unified Track and Field State Champion 41 schools in 2022. Through the efforts of countless dedicated and selfless individuals
Bedford North Lawrence Stars throughout the state, the unified movement will continue to grow and change the lives of student-
athletes, student-partners, coaches, parents, and entire communities.
Year Champion Runner-Up Score Venue
2013-14 Warsaw Community Mt. Vernon 101-91 Robert Haugh Complex, IU The relationship between the IHSAA and SOIN remains strong. SOIN assists the IHSAA in running
2014-15 Lafayette Jefferson Kokomo 100-97 Robert Haugh Complex, IU
2015-16 Warsaw Community Noblesville 107-103 Robert Haugh Complex, IU their tournaments by providing technical support in implementing Unified Sports based on more
2016-17 Merrillville Harrison 98-94 Robert Haugh Complex, IU than 20 years of experience. They have also provided financial grants to schools who start Unified
2017-18 Elkhart Memorial Merrillville 104-101 Robert Haugh Complex, IU Sports programs, paid all costs of IHSAA Unified Sports Tournaments, and organized more than
2018-19 Valparaiso Bedford North Lawrence 124-109 Robert Haugh Complex, IU 260 school assemblies, either in-person or virtually, promoting respect and inclusion. SOIN also
2019-20 Tournament Cancelled due to Coronavirus Pandemic sponsors two high school state championships in Unified Bocce (7th annual) and Unified Bowling
2020-21 Valparaiso Fishers 126-106 Ben Davis HS, Indianapolis
2021-22 Bedford North Lawrence Lafayette Jefferson 116-114 Robert Haugh Complex, IU (5th annual), providing competitive opportunities for students with and without intellectual
disabilities. Unified eSports and Unified Robotics have emerged out of the pandemic as two new
Bobby Cox Spirit of Unified Mental Attitude Award options for SOIN sponsored championships.
Champions Together is more than just Unified Sports. Champions Together programs promote
At the conclusion of the state finals, the IHSAA Executive Committee will present the acceptance, tolerance, a sense of community, school pride, comfort, belonging, healing and
Bobby Cox Spirit of Unified Mental Attitude Award to an athlete and partner competing in sometimes even therapy for some. Champions Together positively changes the culture in schools,
today’s contest. helps increase graduation and attendance rates, and helps form life-long friendships that otherwise
An athlete, who was nominated by their principal and coach, must excel in mental might not have been created.
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, Be part of the #InclusionRevolution and #PlayUnified! Thank you for your continued support of
inclusive behavior, courage, advocacy, and commitment during their time in high school. Champions Together!
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 Brian Avery – Director of Champions Together
led to the establishment of Unified Flag Football and Unified Track & Field as the newest
Bobby Cox
IHSAA sports.

2021-22 Spirit of Unified
Mental Attitude Award
Winners

Jesselyn Fisher and Tanner Robbins
Bedford North Lawrence HS

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