Page 44 - 2024-25 Unified Track & Field State Finals Program

Unified State Champions Bobby Cox Spirit of Unified
Mental Attitude Award

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
IHSAA sports.

2023-24 IHSAA Unified Track and Field State Champion
Elkhart Lions

Year Champion Coach Runner-Up Score
Robert C. Haugh Track Complex, Indiana University, Bloomington
2013-14 Warsaw Community Barb Martz Mt. Vernon 101-91
2014-15 Lafayette Jefferson Dave Howell Kokomo 100-97
2015-16 Warsaw Community Brenda Linky Noblesville 107-103
2016-17 Merrillville Alicia Lasky Harrison 98-94
2017-18 Elkhart Memorial Todd Sheely Merrillville 104-101
2018-19 Valparaiso Dave Prokop Bedford North Lawrence 124-109
2019-20 Tournament Cancelled due to Coronavirus Pandemic
Ben Davis High School, Indianapolis
2020-21 Valparaiso Dave Prokop Fishers 126-106
Robert C. Haugh Track Complex, Indiana University, Bloomington
2021-22 Bedford North Lawrence Mike Branam Lafayette Jefferson 116-114
2022-23 Noblesville Matt Johnston Carroll (FW) / Valparaiso 112-109 2024 Spirit of Unified
2023-24 Elkhart Todd Sheely Fishers 124-112 Mental Attitude Award Winners
Gavin Adams and Peyton Shute
Bloomington South

Year Name School
2020-21 Evan Barker & Natalie Bryan Fishers
2021-22 Jesselyn Fisher & Tanner Robbins Bedford North Lawrence
2022-23 Andrew Cockerham & Justin Lovell Bloomington North
2023-24 Gavin Adams & Peyton Shute Bloomington South

44 IHSAA - Pure Spirit. Pure Sport! IHSAA - Pure Spirit. Pure Sport! 45