Page 11 - 2019 IHSAA Annual Report

A Letter from the Commissioner

The IHSAA Foundation continues to grow and prosper due to the generosity of
hundreds of individuals and our member-schools. The Foundation is focusing
on the implementation and expansion of the InSideOut Initiative throughout
our coaching ranks. This dynamic program truly addresses character develop-
ment and long-term investment in the student-athlete. With the unwavering
support of the NFL Foundation and the Indianapolis Colts, transformational
coaches are being developed across Indiana, which will positively alter the
landscape of education-based athletics in our state.

Through the plentiful sustenance of our partners, the Association once again
awarded nearly $75,000 to deserving high school seniors through the C.
Eugene Cato Memorial Scholarship program and our IHSAA Mental Attitude
Awards. Investing in the future of these young people as they move to the next
stanchion of their lives, realizes the promise of a better tomorrow.

During the 2018-19 school year, forty-six different state tournament series
events were conducted all across Indiana. Once again, the IHSAA and its
membership enjoyed incredible support from over 1.3 million fans attending
these contests. This translates into the opportunity and privilege of returning
over $2.5 million of tournament series revenue to our member-schools. Your
patronage is greatly appreciated and allows our students to truly enjoy the
best part of high school.

Finally, we offer a promise to you. Joined by the herculean efforts of our
corporate sponsors and our marketing partners, we persist to trumpet the
critical values of proper sportsmanship. This coming year, our campaign
continues an intentional focus on adult behaviors and the opportunities we
all retain to impart a positive impact on lives of young people. Our promise
to you is to remain vigilant in the protection, promotion and sustenance of
education-based athletics in Indiana. Our students are depending on us. With
your continued support, we will deliver on our promise.

Cordially,
Bobby Cox
Commissioner

Indiana High School
Athletic Association, Inc.

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