Page 18 - 2020 IHSAA Annual Report

2019–20: The Year in Review

Thank You,

Commissioner Cox

As the world continues to evolve at a faster and faster pace, so Opposite page:
has the IHSAA under Commissioner Bobby Cox’s leadership. Kathy and Bobby Cox are
honored at halftime of the 3A
The IHSAA has taken unprecedented steps forward during Girls Basketball State Finals at
Cox’s nine years as commissioner, including the expansion of Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
corporate partnerships, the further development of one of the
most expansive high school sports broadcasting aggregates
in the United States, essential advances in technology, the
renovation of the IHSAA’s building in Indianapolis, the
promotion of the #FaceOfSportsmanship initiative designed
to address student and adult behavior at high school athletic
events, and the creation of the Tournament Success Factor
in team sports, giving every high school in Indiana a more
equitable opportunity for tournament advancement.

Commissioner Cox also was instrumental in the formation of
the IHSAA Foundation and spearheaded the creation of the
Champions Together Initiative, in partnership with Special
Olympics Indiana.

Thanks to this unique partnership, the IHSAA now adminis-
ters 22 state tournaments instead of 20. Unified Track® and
Field was added in 2014 and Unified Flag Football in 2018.
Both give students with and without intellectual disabilities
an opportunity to compete side-by-side in behalf of their
respective schools.

Even this annual report, the very document you are holding
in your hands right now, is an initiative started by Commis-
sioner Cox.

Organizations that stand still are the ones that will be left
behind, especially in today’s world. Commissioner Cox’s
foresight, dedication and—perhaps most significantly—his
sense of inclusion and fairness, has been instrumental in
preparing the IHSAA for the future.

The IHSAA’s brand has never been stronger; the benefits of
participating in high school sports have never been accessible
to more students; and the playing field has never been more
level than it is today.

Thank you, Bobby!

18 INDIANA HIGH S CHOOL A THLE TIC ASS OCIA TION Annual Report 2020