Page 6 - 2018 IHSAA Annual Report

A Letter from the Commissioner

SEC T I O N T W O

LETTER

FROM THE

COMMISSIONER

Dear Friends and Supporters of Education-Based Athletics,

It is with sincere thanks and gratitude I offer you these observations
summarizing the 2017-18 school year. The most recently completed academic
year reflects yet another successful campaign in the provision of interscho-
lastic-based sports in the Hoosier State. Please allow me to spotlight some
noteworthy accomplishments.

The combined efforts of our blended sportsmanship and media programs
continue to trumpet the values of education-based sports in Indiana. Our
Champions Network, consisting of our treasured partners at Fox Sports
Indiana and Emmis Communications, along with our internet presence at
IHSAAtv.org, continues to grow dramatically. United with our ever-expanding
existence on social media, the Association has never held a larger dais to extol
the values of high school sports. Also, it is a splendid stage in which to share
the amazing stories of our student-athletes and member-schools. Beginning
next school year, all 22 IHSAA sports will be broadcast within the Champions
Network. That’s right; 22 IHSAA sports is not a misprint.

The Executive Committee recently approved the Association’s 22nd sport,
Unified Sports® Flag Football. In partnership with our friends at Special
Olympics Indiana, the IHSAA will sponsor a championship tournament series
in Unified Flag Football culminating with a state championship in October
of 2018. The continual growth of our Unified program insures yet additional
opportunities for students with and without intellectual disabilities to jointly
represent their beloved high schools in interscholastic competition. The
ever-expanding reach of the #InclusionRevolution through our programming
is assuredly redefining the culture in our schools.

Our IHSAA Foundation is concluding its second full year of operations.
Through the generosity of the IHSAA membership, dedicated patrons and

6 INDIANA HIGH S CHOOL A THLE TIC ASS OCIA TION Annual Report 2018