Nat Newell to receive Distinguished Media Service Award
A veteran sports editor at Indiana’s largest newspaper, Nat Newell of the IndyStar is the recipient of the 2025-26 IHSAA Distinguished Media Service Award for District 2.
Newell will be honored Thursday evening (Feb. 5) at Fishers High School when the top-ranked Tigers host conference rival Westfield in boys basketball action. IHSAA Commissioner Paul Neidig and Sports Information Director Jason Wille will make the presentation.
Originally from Massachusetts and having previously worked for the Anderson (S.C.) Independent Mail and
(Columbia, S.C.) State, Nat joined IndyStar in October 2003, covering high school sports on the north side of
Indianapolis.
He was named high school sports editor in 2010 and served in the position through 2013. He was promoted to IndyStar’s Colts, Pacers, and IndyCar editor from 2013 to 2022 before being named sports editor in 2022 and continues in that role today.
“Telling the stories of high school athletes anywhere is a special role, but there’s nowhere in the country that it’s as important as it is in Indiana,” Newell says. “You think Indiana high school sports and you think basketball – with good reason – but there is a deep-rooted passion for all preps sports in this state and it’s been a privilege to play a small role in sharing and experiencing those moments with the athletes, their
families and fans.”
IndyStar has kept high school sports coverage at its core even as the journalism industry has dramatically changed.
Newell now heads a high school sports department that includes three full-timers including Kyle Neddenriep, the paper’s long-time lead high school writer who was recently promoted to High School Sports Editor, Brian Haenchen, girls high school sportswriter since 2021, and Josh Heron
who joined IndyStar in 2024. Only the Washington Post has won more national Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE) Awards than IndyStar since 2016.
Newell graduated from Suffolk University in Boston with a Broadcast Journalism degree. He and his wife Holly make their home in Fishers and have two children, Zoey, a University of Wisconsin student, and Sadie, a Fishers High School student. Both daughters have been active student-athletes and Nat has served as a regular statistician for the Fishers girls lacrosse junior varsity and varsity teams.
This is the 39th year the IHSAA has recognized outstanding members of the Indiana news media from each of its three legislative districts for excellence in the coverage of high school sports.
District 2 covers 28 counties across northern and central Indiana.
The following individuals have been honored:
Adams, Bob, Berne Tri-Weekly News, WZBD, Berne, 2007-08, Dist. 2
Adams, Charlie, WSBT-TV, South Bend, 2006-07, Dist. 1
Akers, Chuck, WFLQ, French Lick, 2007-08, Dist. 3
Amey, Andy, Terre Haute Tribune-Star, 1995-96, Dist. 3
Ammerman, Joe, WNVI, North Vernon, 1999-00, Dist. 4
Angelopolous, Jimmie, Indianapolis News, 1984-85, Dist. 3
Arredondo, Joe, WYIN-TV, Merrillville, 1998-99, Dist. 1
Auten, Steve, WMDH/WLTI, New Castle, 2018-19, Dist. 2
Baker, Jerry, IHSAA Network, 2000-01, Dist. 3
Barnet, Bob, Muncie Star, 1985-86, Dist. 4
Beas, Mike, 2008-09, Dist. 2
Beck, Bill, Elkhart Truth, 2013-14, Dist. 1
Beitler, Paul, Bluffton News-Banner, 2000-01, Dist. 2
Bell, Greg, WIOU/WZWZ, Kokomo, 1993-94, Dist. 2
Bernhardt, Don, Evansville Courier, 1984-85, Dist. 5
Blake, Mike, WFIE-TV, Evansville, 1997-98, Dist. 5
Bohne, Brian, Ferdinand News/Spencer County Leader, 2003-04, Dist. 3
Breach, Chris, Logansport Pharos-Tribune, 2004-05, Dist. 1
Bridge, Bob, Bedford Times-Mail, 1996-97, Dist. 5
Brochin, Mark, WWBL, Washington, 2011-12, Dist. 3
Brooks, Rod, WXXP, Anderson, 1997-98, Dist. 4
Brown, Rob, Roncalli Media Network, 2022-23, Dist. 2
Brunner, Jim, WBAT, Marion, 1998-99, Dist. 2
Buchberger, Jim, Lawrenceburg Register, 1994-95, Dist. 4
Byrum, Tom, Winchester News-Gazette, 2004-05, Dist. 2
Calabro, Dave, WTHR-TV, Indianapolis, 2010-11, Dist. 2
Calhoun, Anthony, WISH-TV, Indianapolis, 2023-24, Dist. 2
Carnegie, Tom, WRTV-TV, Indianapolis, 1985-86, Dist. 3
Clark, Jan, Richmond Palladium-Item, 1995-96, Dist. 4
Collins, Tom, Evansville Courier & Press, 2006-07, Dist. 3
Condry, Paul, Regional Radio, Crown Point, 1999-00, Dist. 1
Cooney, Ray, Portland Commercial-Review, 2011-12, Dist. 2
Corfman, Ron, Ripley County Publishing, 1998-99, Dist. 4
Costin, Jim, Fort Wayne News-Sentinel, 1987-88, Dist. 2
Cox, Eric & Stacy, Knightstown Banner, 2017-18, Dist. 2
Davis, Len, WGL Radio, Fort Wayne, 1994-95, Dist. 2
Dedrick, Dave, WUME/WSEZ, Paoli, 1995-96, Dist. 5
DeFay, Dick, WKJG-TV, Fort Wayne, 1990-91, Dist. 2
Derf, Rick, WTCA, Plymouth, 1995-96, Dist. 1
Doades, Keith, Media Five Sports, 2013-14, Dist. 3
Douglas, Tom, Spencer Evening World, 1999-00, Dist. 3
Downey, Mark, Bloomfield Evening World, 2002-03, Dist. 3
Easter, Jon, WBDG Radio, Ben Davis HS, 2015-16, Dist. 2
Egierski, Dan, WGBF Radio, Evansville, 2001-02, Dist. 3
Ferber, Walt, WITZ Radio, Jasper, 2010-11, Dist. 3
Fields, Steve, Greencastle Banner-Graphic, 1991-92, Dist. 3
Fillmore, Ken, Angola Herald Republican, 2015-16, Dist. 1
Fisse, Frank, Indianapolis Star, 1987-88, Dist. 3
Ford, Bob, Kokomo Tribune, 1986-87, Dist. 2
Fox, Ken, Elkhart Truth, 2024-25, Dist. 1
Freeby, Chuck, WHME-TV & Radio, 2010-11, Dist. 1
Frye, George, Huntington Herald-Press, 1992-93, Dist. 2
Fuson, Wayne, Indianapolis News, 2023-24, Dist. 2
Garmon, Michelle, Tipton Tribune, 1997-98, Dist. 3
Gates, Hilliard, WKJG-TV, Fort Wayne, 1984-85, Dist. 2
Goffinet, Larry, Tell City News, 1991-92, Dist. 5
Gratz, Ivan, WISH-TV, Indianapolis, 1998-99, Dist. 3
Gregg, Scott, Carmel H.S./Metropolitan Conference, 2003-04, Dist. 2
Grossman, Roger, WRSW, Warsaw, 2009-10, Dist. 1
Guilliams, Cliff, Evansville Courier & Press, 2008-09, Dist. 3
Gutgsell, Kurt, WBDC Radio & WJTS TV 18, 2019-20, Dist. 3
Hall, Norman, WBNL, Boonville, 1993-94, Dist. 5
Hamilton, Ed, Elwood Call-Leader, 1996-97, Dist. 4
Hamnik, Al, Gary Post-Tribune, 1996-97, Dist. 1
Hanna, Bill, North Vernon Plain Dealer-Sun, 1990-91, Dist. 4
Harrell, John, Bloomington Herald-Times, 1994-95, Dist. 5
Hartnett Sr., John, WSVL, Shelbyville, 1992-93, Dist. 4
Harvey, Sam, WLPK, Connersville, 2015-16, Dist. 3
Hein, Don, WTHR-TV, Indianapolis, 1994-95, Dist. 3
Helvie, Bryan, Batesville Herald-Tribune, 2014-15, Dist. 3
Herman, Steve, Associated Press, 1996-97, Dist. 3
Hess, Milt, WHZR, Logansport, 1997-98, Dist. 1
Hill, Ken, Sports Hotline, Marion, 1989-90, Dist. 2
Hodge, John, New Castle Courier-Times, 2000-01, Dist. 4
Hole, Michael, WFLQ, French Lick, 2007-08, Dist. 3
Houser, Lynn, Bloomington Herald-Times, 2012-13, Dist. 3
Hunter, Dave, WAOV, Vincennes, 1992-93, Dist. 5
Huppert, Dean, WSJV-TV, South Bend, 2002-03, Dist. 1
Inniger, Fred, WAWK, Kendallville, 2022-23, Dist. 1
Jellison, Don, Noblesville Ledger, 1988-89, Dist. 3
Jenkins, Charlie, WXVW, Jeffersonville, 1988-89, Dist. 5
Jerome, Jim, WAXI, Rockville, 1989-90, Dist. 3
Jones, Carl, Terre Haute Tribune-Star, 1992-93, Dist. 3
Jones, Chip, WLOI/WCOE, LaPorte, 2016-17, Dist. 1
Jones, H. O. (Whitey), Corydon Democrat, 1987-88, Dist. 5
Kasey, Dennis, WHMB TV-40, Indianapolis, 2009-10, Dist. 2
Kelly, Lee, New Albany H.S./WNAS Radio, 2004-05, Dist. 3
Kirts, Rex, Bloomington Herald-Times, 1985-86, Dist. 5
Kitchell, Dave, Kokomo Tribune, 1996-97, Dist. 2
Knezevich, Mike, Regional Radio Sports Network, 2008-09, Dist. 1
Koontz, Arv, Seymour Tribune, 1989-90, Dist. 5
Kraft, Dennis, Elkhart Truth, 1988-89, Dist. 2
Krider, Dave, LaPorte Herald-Argus, 1985-86, Dist. 1
Lambright, Leroy, Goshen News, 1985-86, Dist. 2
Lancaster, Todd, Washington Times-Herald, 2025-26, Dist. 3
Lankford, Richard, WRAY, Princeton, 2009-10, Dist. 3
Lemasters, Ron, Muncie Star, 1991-92, Dist. 4
Lingle, Corky, WTCA, Plymouth, 1995-96, Dist. 1
Lovell, Bob, Indiana Sports Talk, 2002-03, Dist. 2
Mannies, Morry, WLBC, Muncie, 1989-90, Dist. 4
McCord, Andy, WJOT, Wabash, 2012-13, Dist. 1
McKee, Pat, Indianapolis Star, 2001-02, Dist. 2
Miller, Forrest, South Bend Tribune, 1991-92, Dist. 2
Mishler, Earl, LaPorte Herald-Argus, 1994-95, Dist. 1
Montgomery, Mike, WSAL-WLHM, Logansport, 2000-01, Dist. 1
Moritz, Steve, 860 AM ESPN; WMRI, Marion, 2014-15, Dist. 2
Morrow, Mark, Hamilton County Sports Daily, 2013-14, Dist. 2
Musselman, David, WROI Radio, Rochester, 2003-04, Dist. 1
Mutka, John, Gary Post-Tribune, 1986-87, Dist. 1
Nagle, Bob, WHME-TV 46, 2014-15, Dist. 1
Newell, Nat, IndyStar, 2025-26, Dist. 2
Nuest, Keith, Kouts Times, 1993-94, Dist. 1
Overholser, Bill, WIBN, Fowler, 1992-93, Dist. 1
Overmyer, John, Broadcastsport.net, 2023-24, Dist. 1
Paligraf, Phil, Comcast Spotlight, Indianapolis, 2013-14, Dist. 2
Pantazi, Dean, WPTA-TV, Fort Wayne, 1999-00, Dist. 2
Powers, Bob, Connersville News-Examiner, 1986-87, Dist. 4
Price, Rita, WRSW Radio, Warsaw, 2001-02, Dist. 1
Quigley, John, Portage Journal Press, 1990-91, Dist. 1
Rallo, Curt, South Bend Tribune, 1995-96, Dist. 2
Reck, Tom, Terre Haute Tribune-Star, 1986-87, Dist. 3
Redfield, Bill, Michigan City News-Dispatch, 1984-85, Dist. 1
Ross, Tony, WTCA, Plymouth, 2005-06, Dist. 1
Russell, Jim, Indianapolis News, 1993-94, Dist. 3
Salomon, John, WNJY, Monticello, 1991-92, Dist. 1
Schneider, Mark, Indianapolis Star, 1990-91, Dist. 3
Schweizer, Larry, WBNL, Boonville, 1998-99, Dist. 5
Semmler, Rick, WTHI-TV, Terre Haute, 2016-17, Dist. 3
Shahbaz, Marty, Lake County Star, 1987-88, Dist. 1
Shake, DeWayne, Shake Broadcasting LLC, 2023-24, Dist. 3
Siegfried, Paul, Huntington Herald-Press, 2007-08, Dist. 1
Simmermaker, Sam, WCSI Radio, Columbus, 1984-85, Dist. 4
Simmers, Bob, WITZ, Jasper, 1986-87, Dist. 5
Skvara, Mike, IndianaSRN.org, 2024-25, Dist. 3
Smith, Joe, WBWB, Bloomington, 1990-91, Dist. 5
Sokeland, Justin, WBIW.com, 2022-23, Dist. 3
Stigleman, Phil, WKBV, Richmond, 1988-89, Dist. 4
Stimpson, Dick, WNUY AM FM, Bluffton, 2006-07, Dist. 2
Swanson, Pete, Princeton Clarion, 1999-00, Dist. 5
Swartz, Stu, Goshen News, 2011-12, Dist. 1
Taylor, Graham, Madison Courier, 1987-88, Dist. 4
Teverbaugh, Rick, Anderson Herald-Bulletin, 2012-13, Dist. 2
Throckmorton, Ted, WAVG, Jeffersonville, 2000-01, Dist. 5
Tsoutsouris, Val, Rochester Sentinel, 2017-18, Dist. 1
Turner, Vince, WTRC, Elkhart, 1997-98, Dist. 2
Vanderwielen, Rick, HomeTown Sports Indiana / IHSAA Champions Network, 2016-17, Dist. 2
Washburn, Jeff, Lafayette Journal & Courier, 1988-89, Dist. 1
Weaver, Rob, WPGW AM FM, Portland, 2005-06, Dist. 2
Weller, Jeff, WLBC, Muncie, 1993-94, Dist. 4
Welter, Harold, WKVI, Knox, 1989-90, Dist. 1
Wilkerson, Lance, WEHT-TV, Evansville, 2005-06, Dist. 3
Young, Dave, WZDM FM, Vincennes, 2017-18, Dist. 3