Todd Lancaster to receive Distinguished Media Service Award
One of Indiana’s most dedicated journalists, Todd Lancaster of the Washington Times-Herald is the recipient of the 2025-26 IHSAA Distinguished Media Service Award for District 3.
Lancaster has brought an unmistakable passion to local sports journalism serving as the Sports Editor for the Washington Times Herald for 25 years
and, prior to that, the Danville (Ill.) Commercial News. And he’s had a lot of opportunities to tell great stories about high school student-athletes from Washington and the surrounding communities.
During his time at the Times-Herald, he’s covered 14 IHSAA boys state basketball finals and four girls’ basketball state finals (18 total teams), as well as
covering state championship contests in baseball, softball, golf, cross country, soccer, and tennis. Along with those team successes, three Mr. Basketballs, four Indiana All-Stars, and three McDonalds All-Americans have emerged from his coverage area.
Todd has won numerous Hoosier State Press Association and AP awards for sports and editorial column writing and special editions.
Although born in Massachusetts, He attended Huntington North High School (1982), Purdue University, and Old Dominion University (1982-88).
Lancaster is a United States Navy veteran serving our country on the USS America based out of Norfolk, VA from 1986-91.
He has been married to Jean (Mundy) Lancaster for more than 30 years and they have three adult children, Cam, Max, and Sarah.
He is an avid fan of Boston sports teams, music, dogs, and cooking. Todd’s stories give student-athletes, coaches, and fans a voice and remind readers why local sports matter. And Washington is fortunate to have someone so dedicated, knowledgeable, and authentic
telling those stories.
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 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
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
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
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