Mike Skvara to receive Distinguished Media Service Award
A writer, broadcaster and statistician from Southwest Indiana with Northwest Indiana roots, Mike
Skvara is the recipient of the 2024-25 IHSAA Distinguished Media Service Award for District 3. Skvara’s contributions to education-based athletics
will be recognized during next weekend’s IHSAA Football State Finals at Lucas Oil Stadium. IHSAA Commissioner Paul Neidig and Sports Information
Director Jason Wille will make the presentation. Mike has worked as a radio and TV broadcaster and writer covering high school, college, and professional
sports. His focus has been covering Indiana high school and college football and basketball, the Indianapolis 500 and IndyCar racing.
“Being a freelance sports broadcaster and writer has been the perfect hobby for me for more than a half century,” Skvara said. “Media work has not only
provided opportunities to cover many sporting events, but also enabled me to help the Indiana High School Athletic Association for decades.”
Mike has worked directly not only with current IHSAA Sports Information Director Jason Wille, but also with every IHSAA SID. He has served as a media
coordinator for the IHSAA football and basketball State Finals since 1984.
In his broadcasting career, Mike has worked as a color/analyst and statistician. Mike learned the basics of broadcasting from veteran announcer Paul Weirman, who was his first mentor and partner in Northwest Indiana for over a decade. After moving to Evansville, Mike worked with Dan Egierski for over two decades after the turn of the century broadcasting high school football and hosting sports interview shows.
Currently in his third year with IndianaSRN.org and a part of the IHSAA Champions Network, Mike and his broadcast partner Jevin Redmen stream the games for the Evansville Memorial football team.
As a writer, Mike has written for several publications over the years including The Times of Northwest Indiana, the Evansville Courier & Press, and the Indiana Football Digest. He has worked on production crews for University of Evansville basketball games as well as a member of the stat crew for U of E football contests. From 2012-2019, Mike served as the radio play-by-play announcer for the Oakland City University men’s basketball program.
A Whiting, Indiana native and a 1966 Whiting High School graduate, Mike served as a football manager at Indiana University for John Pont and Nick Mourouzis. He is a 1970 IU graduate with a B.S. in Education and has a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Purdue University.
Mike taught at Lowell High School from 1970 to 1976 and coached football and baseball. He was a real estate broker for six years and has been an insurance agent since 1982. He has been part of the Evansville Memorial football program since moving to Evansville in 1988 and has served as a grade
school coach, varsity scout, and since 1994 the team statistician.
Skvara has been honored by several Indiana organizations for his work in the media. In 2018 the Indiana Football Digest recognized him with the Excellence in Football Media Award. The Indiana Sportswriters & Sportscasters Association in 2019 presented Mike with the Bob Williams Helping
Hand Award. The Indiana Football Coaches Association honored him in 2021 with the Rex Kirts Media Award.
Mike is one of the founders of the Southern Indiana Chapter of the National Football Foundation. He was a national recipient of a 2019 NFF Chapter Leadership Award. Skvara lives in Newburgh, Indiana. He and his wife Ann and his late wife Sue have four married
children and four grandchildren.
This is the 38th 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 3 covers 43 counties across southern Indiana.
Since 1984-85, the Indiana High School Athletic Association, Inc. has presented the Distinguished Media Service Award to a recipient in each of the three IHSAA legislative districts. It is presented annually to a media professional who has made a positive contribution and demonstrated dedicated service to the high school sports program in 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
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
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
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