Page 14 - 2024 Impact Awards Program
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David Cranfill Truehearted David Cranfill Truehearted
Teammate Award Teammate Award
David Cranfill was a friend to the IHSAA for over 40 years. He was Zach Huckaby of Perry Meridian High School is a two-sport athlete,
an advertising agency owner, a writer, a filmmaker, and a participating in football and wrestling during his time as a Falcon.
communicator. He worked tirelessly to promote the purity, passion, Additionally, he is a part of the Central Nine Career Center Fire and
and enthusiasm of high school sports until his passing in 2021. EMT Program and volunteers as an elementary football coach for
He dedicated much of his life and energy to telling the story of all the Southport Developmental Football Program. Zach is a
160,000 Hoosier student-athletes and the life lessons they learned selfless leader and passionate about those in his life. This was
by playing high school athletics. He always put his work, his evident during his senior year, when a former athlete that he
family, and his teammates first. David exemplified what it meant to coached was diagnosed with leukemia. Zach immediately sprung
be a truehearted teammate. to action and, with the help of his teammates, raised money for the
athlete’s treatment and wore bracelets to support him. Zach is one
Each year, the David Cranfill Truehearted Teammate Award is to consistently display qualities that enhance team dynamics and
awarded to one deserving male and one deserving female student- foster a positive sporting environment. In both football and
athlete who demonstrate selfless dedication to their team without wrestling, he’s cheering on teammates during games or matches
expectation of reward or recognition. The winners of these and offering guidance during practice sessions, fostering unity
scholarships will be selected for having exhibited loyalty and and camaraderie to contribute to the team’s success. When not at
faithfulness by putting their teammates, coaches, school, and practice, Zach organizes get-togethers for his teammates and makes
community above themselves. sure everyone feels welcome and a valuable part of the team.
Madeline Maier of Mt. Vernon High School is a three-sport athlete,
participating in soccer, swimming & diving, and track & field in
each of her years as a Wildcat. Madeline got involved in the Mt.
Vernon Special Olympics Program at a young age. The daughter of
a special education teacher and Special Olympics coach, Madeline
would often come along to practices and events. As she grew older,
she would never complain about being ‘dragged along’ but would
seek out more opportunities to serve special needs athletes. Over
time, she learned the perfect balance of taking charge when needed
but also stepping back and letting the athletes learn and achieve
their own success. What Madeline has learned from those
experiences growing up, she has taken into leadership roles in her
soccer, swimming, and track teams, as well as her
extracurricular clubs. If her team needs a leader to step up and take
charge, Madeline does it. In times that a teammate needs a friend
or some support, Madeline doesn’t hesitate to fill that role either.
She is a true role model to numerous Mt. Vernon student-athletes
because of who she is and how she carries herself. After graduation,
Zach Huckaby Madeline Maier Madeline plans to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become a
special education teacher.
Perry Meridian Mt. Vernon (Posey)
14 IHSAA Foundation Impact Awards IHSAA Foundation Impact Awards 15
