Page 9 - 2020 IHSAA Annual Report

Letter From the Retiring Commissioner

Dear Friends,

The school year of 2019-20 has evolved into the most unique of our generation. A world plagued
by a formidable virus has personally affected us in all aspects of our lives. Unfortunately, this
disease promises to continue its challenges for the foreseeable future. And while these trials
are front and center within our consciousness, it reminds me of the unquestionable values of
education-based athletics.

You see, high school sports teach a myriad of lessons that arm young people with the skills to
cope with life’s disappointments. One of these valued traits is grit, the determination learned
through competition when the opposition becomes so great, you may think of quitting. And
yet, at that very moment, your perseverance will not allow you to fail. You bear down and fight
with a renewed sense of purpose and drive toward your goal. In many instances, victory is
achieved. This lesson and a multitude of others are the true purpose of school-based sports in
the Hoosier State.

Disappointment sometimes accompanies significant challenges. Our student-athletes in Indiana,
and across our country, experienced a series of disappointments through the end of the winter and
spring campaigns. Adults were also affected adversely. Coaches were not allowed to work with
their students. Officials were not able to provide their contributions to interscholastic contests,
and parents were not able to cheer and support their children, some of whom were in their final
year of high school. Again, participation in school sports trains us to manage disappointment and
encourages us to try again with new focus, energy and steely resolve.

The Indiana High School Athletic Association, along with our brethren across this great nation,
are experiencing unprecedented challenges in the administration of education-based athletics
and activities. Previously approved budgets and anticipated revenues failed to meet financial
obligations. Programming on behalf of young people has been severely tested. Through the
vision of our predecessors and the diligence of our Board of Directors, the IHSAA will persevere.

The support of our membership has been steadfast for well over a century, and in these times of
uncertainty, one constant remains: Hoosiers love high school sports. I am most certain we will
find ways to continue our service to the students and schools of our state. “Play on!”

Finally, I wish to take a moment to offer my sincere thanks to you. After 41 years in education
in this great state, 20 at the Association and the last nine-plus as your commissioner, I will
retire on August 1, 2020. My journey has been blessed and the opportunities I have experienced
abundant. I have been surrounded by wonderful colleagues, thoughtful and dedicated school
leaders, remarkable business partners and, most importantly, energetic and enthusiastic
student-athletes. It has been the voyage of a lifetime.

The great American author and founder of SUCCESS magazine, Dr. Orison Swett Marden, once
wrote, “It is the hopeful, buoyant, cheerful attitude of mind that wins. Optimism is a success
builder; pessimism an achievement killer.” Please join me in a rehabilitated sense of optimism
as we strive to nurture and guide the youth of our state. The fruits of our labor will be rewarded
tenfold by the accomplishments and successes of our students.

With gratitude,
Bobby Cox
Retiring Commissioner
Indiana High School Athletic Association, Inc.

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