During its annual review of the Member School By-Laws on Monday afternoon, the Board of Directors of the Indiana High School Athletic Association, Inc. approved for full recognition the sports of boys volleyball and girls wrestling beginning next school year (2024-25).

With full recognition, an IHSAA state tournament will now be established for both sports with those details being announced in the coming months. Girls wrestling will be a winter sport while boys volleyball will be played in the spring just as they have in previous years and during the IHSAA’s Emerging Sport Process. The Indiana Boys Volleyball Coaches Association has been administering its state tournament since 1994 while the Indiana High School Wrestling Coaches

Association has been conducting a girls wrestling state tournament since 2017.

After being added to the Emerging Sport Process in 2022, both have seen significant growth over the last 24 months. Girls wrestling now touts more than 1,400 individuals representing 177 different schools while boys volleyball teams have now climbed to more than 100.

They become the latest sports to be fully recognized following Unified flag football in 2018 and Unified track & field in 2013. Both are co-ed sports as part of the IHSAA’s partnership with Special Olympics Indiana. Prior to those, boys and girls soccer became official IHSAA sports in 1994.

A measure that would have added the sport of girls lacrosse to the Emerging Sport Process, was tabled to the June Executive Committee meeting.

Indiana’s first Free Fishing Day of the year is May 12.

On Free Fishing Days, Indiana residents do not need a fishing license or a trout/salmon stamp to fish on the state's public waters, so it’s the perfect time to bring your family and friends along and have some fun outdoors.

All other rules such as seasons, bag, and size limits apply. Find a fishing location near you using the Where To Fish map.

Beginning with the 2024-25 season, high school wrestlers will be inbounds with only one point of contact of either wrestler inside or on the boundary line.

This fundamental change to high school wrestling was one of six major changes impacting almost 30 rules recommended by the NFHS Wrestling Rules Committee at its April 1-3 meeting in Indianapolis. All recommended changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

Previously, high school wrestlers were considered to be inbounds if a total of two supporting points of either wrestler were inside or on the boundary line. The two supporting points could be two supporting points of one wrestler or one supporting point of each wrestler inside or on the boundary line.

“Without increasing risk, this change eliminates the subjectivity of the out-of-bounds call,” said Elliot Hopkins, NFHS director of sports and student services and liaison to the Wrestling Rules Committee. “The change also helps officials to call ‘out of bounds’ more consistently, and it provides wrestlers, coaches and spectators a better understanding of out of bounds.”

While the One Point of Contact change will be noted under the definition of Inbounds in Rule 5-15, it also impacts a number of other sections in Rule 5 on Definitions, as well as Rule 6-4-1 on Stopping and Starting the Match.

In addition to the One Point of Contact change, points awarded for a Near-Fall have been revised in high school wrestling. Overall, the changes simplify the points awarded based on how long the wrestler is held in near-fall criteria. The change in Rule 5-11-3 is as follows:

Two points will be awarded when near-fall criteria are held for two seconds, three points for three seconds, four points for four seconds and five points if the defensive wrestler is injured, indicates an injury or bleeding occurs after the four-point near-fall has been earned. These changes will affect other rules including individual match scoring in Rule 9.  

“The goal in wrestling is to pin the opponent,” Hopkins said. “Changing the near-fall points should motivate wrestlers to work for a fall.”

In another change in scoring rules, opportunities to earn more points will also be available when executing a Takedown. Beginning next season, wrestlers will be awarded three match points instead of two when securing a takedown.  

The committee also approved a change regarding the Technical Fall. Rule 5-11-4a now states that “if a takedown or reversal, straight to a near-fall criteria creates a 15-point advantage, the match shall continue until the near-fall criteria is no longer met. Conclusion of the near-fall criteria is immediate.” The change clarifies when the technical fall has concluded in relation to the near-fall criteria being met. Hopkins said the offensive wrestler cannot be penalized appropriately after the technical fall has been earned.

In another change, the 10-Foot Circle at the center of wrestling mats is now optional. Wrestlers now will be encouraged to “stay in the center of the mat” instead of “within the 10-foot circle.”

“The committee determined that the starting lines of a mat indicate the center of the mat and the 10-foot circle is no longer needed,” Hopkins said. “With the new mat designs that have a large mascot or logos, it gives a refreshing look to the mats. Wrestlers and officials know where the center of the mat is located without the 10-foot circle.”

Finally, the committee approved a new Referee’s Time-Out Signal. The signal, which is used in many other sports, is both hands/fingers pointing inward to the referee’s chest.

According to the 2022-23 NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey, wrestling is the sixth-most popular sport for boys with 259,431 participants in 10,962 schools. It also continues to gain popularity among girls with 50,016 participants in 6,545 schools nationwide.

Experience the thrill of racing with "The Motorsports Circuit IN Indiana." In partnership with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC) launched "The Motorsports Circuit IN Indiana" microsite to tell Indiana's rich racing history and help visitors understand why racing culture is so deeply ingrained IN Indiana.

"Indiana has had a major impact on the sport of racing throughout its history, and The Motorsports Circuit IN Indiana microsite tells this story," said Lt. Gov. Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. "Not only does it include educational material about our racing history, it brings every aspect of racing to the forefront including races, events, storied racetracks, memorials, traditions and more." This web-based experience will put all things racing IN Indiana at your fingertips. Discover why Indiana's motorsports culture is a prominent aspect of the state's identity and experience Indiana's passion for racing yourself at one of the many events throughout the year. From some of the most prestigious racing events in the world hosted in Indianapolis, dubbed the Racing Capital of the World, to grassroots dirt tracks and even boat races, Indiana offers a diverse range of racing experiences that cater to enthusiasts of all kinds.

"Racing is a part of the Hoosier state that dates back over 100 years and has played a pivotal role in shaping our communities," said Elaine Bedel, IDDC Secretary and Chief Executive Officer. "We want to put this history on display, while also giving users access to present day attractions and events that they can visit themselves." The launch of the microsite is just in time for the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500, Sunday, May 26. The webpage will serve as a tribute to the pioneers, drivers and fans who have made Indiana a cornerstone of motorsports excellence. From the roar of engines to the triumph of victory, "The Motorsports Circuit IN Indiana" captures the essence of speed, passion and the racing Hoosier spirit. "The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is proud to be a hub for Indiana's racing traditions and to partner with IDDC in celebration of our state's racing heritage," said J. Douglas Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway President. "The Motorsports Circuit IN Indiana compiles this legacy for both residents and visitors to experience."

Flory Bidunga has earned the top individual award in Indiana high school boys basketball.

Bidunga, a 6-9 forward from Kokomo, has been named IndyStar Indiana Mr. Basketball for 2024 in online voting of media and boys’ varsity coaches conducted by the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association and All-Star game director Mike Broughton, it was announced Tuesday (April 23) as part of the IndyStar Indiana Sports Awards program at Butler University's Clowes Memorial Hall.

The Mr. Basketball result means Bidunga will wear the No. 1 jersey for the Indiana All-Stars in their annual series with Kentucky. The Mr. Basketball award goes to the top boys’ basketball senior in the state. The Mr. Basketball and Miss Basketball awards are part of the IndyStar Indiana All-Star program that dates to 1939. The Miss Basketball award, along with the girls All-Stars, was added to the All-Star program in 1976.

The complete of the 2024 boys' All-Star team was announced on April 11. The girls' All-Star team was announced March 11, and Chloe Spreen of Bedford North Lawrence was announced as the 2024 Miss Basketball on March 15.

Bidunga earned the boys top honor after being named on 198 ballots submitted to Broughton in voting that ran from March 13 to April 1. Jack Benter of Brownstown Central was runner-up with 122 votes. Keenan Garner of Fishers placed third with 15 votes followed by K.J. Windham of Ben Davis with 12 votes, Evan Haywood of Brebeuf Jesuit with five votes and Micah Davis of Franklin Community with three votes. There were 362 votes cast overall.

A Kansas University recruit, Bidunga averaged 19.0 points, 12.9 rebounds and 4.4 blocked shots while converting 81.4 percent of his field goals (236 of 290) and leading Kokomo to a 25-4 record that included North Central Conference and Lafayette Jefferson Sectional championships as a senior.

In a three-year high school career, the Democratic Republic of the Congo native totaled 1,609 points, 1,132 rebounds and 402 blocks as the Wildkats went 69-17 and captured three sectionals, two regionals, one semi-state and finished as the 2023 Class 4A state runner-up. He also shot a state-record 80.3 percent from the field (689 of 858) and 55.0 percent on free throws (230 of 418) while adding 158 assists, 85 steals and 322 dunks in his career.

A 2024 McDonald's All-American and 2024 Nike Hoop Summit participant, Bidunga averaged 17.5 points, 13.3 rebounds and 5.3 blocks as a sophomore as well as 20.2 points, 13.8 rebounds and 4.5 blocks as a junior. As a junior, from Dec. 29, 2022, to Jan. 7, 2023, he tied a state record with 32 consecutive field goals. He also is No. 2 in state annals with his 402 career blocks.

In 85 career games, Bidunga posted 72 double-doubles and six triple-doubles -- 32 points, 20 rebounds and 11 blocks against Richmond and 30 points, 14 rebounds and 10 blocks against Lafayette Jefferson as a sophomore; 22 points, 10 rebounds, 12 blocks against Lebanon and 25 points, 15 rebounds and 11 blocks against Marion as a junior; and 19 points, 12 rebounds and 10 blocks against New Haven and 17 points, 24 rebounds and 10 blocks against Anderson as a senior.

His career single-game bests are 34 points against McCutcheon as a junior, 24 rebounds against Fort Wayne Northrop as a sophomore and Anderson as a senior, six assists against Westfield and Fishers as a senior, four steals against Carmel as a junior and 12 blocks against Lebanon as a junior.

Bidunga is the third Mr. Basketball from Kokomo, joining Tom Schwartz in 1945 and Jim Rayl in 1959. Bidunga and teammate Karson Rogers are the program's 18th and 19th boys' Indiana All-Stars as well as the school's 29th and 30th overall All-Stars.

Past Kokomo High boys selected to the All-Stars were Chet Gabriel (1940), Carl Campbell (1941), Jack Turner (1942), Gene Turner (1944), Schwartz, Maurice Conwell (1946), James "Junior" Phipps (1952), Jim Butcher (1955), Paul Conwell (1956), Rayl, Ron Hughes (1961), Rich Scott (1961), Jim "Goose" Ligon (1962), Brian Hogan (1988), Lee Coomler (1996), D.J. Balentine (2012) and Tayler Persons (2014).

Kokomo girls previously named All-Stars were Tiffany Longworth (1993), Cari Stover (1993), Mistina Oliver (1993), Debbie Benziger (1994), Tamie Stiner (1997), Heather Cusick (1999), Hillary Beck (2001), Anne Thatcher (2003), DeUnna Hendrix (2003), Audrey McDonald (2006) and Kayla Drake (2008).

John Peckinpaugh, the 2024 boys' All-Star head coach, is the third Kokomo coach to lead the All-Stars. He joins a list that includes Mike McCroskey, the girls' head coach in 1994, and Charlie Hall, the girls' head coach in 2003.

In going to Kansas, Bidunga is the second Mr. Basketball and sixth boys' All-Star to join the Jayhawks. The previous KU-bound Mr. Basketball was David Magley of South Bend LaSalle in 1978. The other previous All-Stars who played at Kansas were Bud Dunn of Gosport in 1940, Clyde Lovellette of Terre Haute Garfield in 1948, Ron Loneski of Hammond Bishop Noll in 1955 and Bob Hickman of Terre Haute Gerstmeyer in 1956.

While in high school, Bidunga has been a two-time Gatorade Indiana Player of the Year and a two-time MaxPreps Indiana Player of the Year. He also has been a 2023 Naismith third-team All-American, a three-time IBCA Supreme 15 honoree, a 2023 AP first-team All-State selection, a 2022 AP second-team All-State pick, a three-time team MVP, a three-time all-NCC pick and a three-time area MVP and All-Area honoree by the Kokomo Tribune.

Mr. Basketball and Miss Basketball traditionally wear No. 1 jerseys for the respective Indiana Boys All-Stars and Indiana Girls All-Stars in the annual series with Kentucky. The All-Stars will face the Indiana Junior All-Stars in an exhibition doubleheader on June 5 at Kokomo. The All-Stars follow with their home-and-home doubleheaders with Kentucky -- June 7 at Lexington Catholic High School and June 8 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

The Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) announced a three-year presenting partnership renewal with the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts to continue in support of Indiana high school football.

This marks the 15th year of the agreement first struck in 2009 when the Colts organization began its support of the entire football state tournament, ensuring that the state championship games would continue to be played at Lucas Oil Stadium. At that time, the Colts became the first professional sports franchise in the country to partner with a high school association for this type of sponsorship.

“The IHSAA is so excited and grateful to continue this partnership with the Indianapolis Colts,” said IHSAA Commissioner Paul Neidig. “Without the Colts and their support, Indiana high school football wouldn’t be as spectacular as it is on Friday nights in the fall.”

“We love and appreciate the values, like preparation, discipline, teamwork and inclusion, that football teaches, so we are honored to support youth and high school football at every level in our state,” said Mike Prior, Colts Football Development Commissioner and former Colts great. “This partnership with the IHSAA continues our commitment to growing the game of football in Indiana and opening opportunities in the sport to all.”

The Colts and IHSAA also have partnered on other initiatives, most notably girls high school flag football. In 2023, the Colts started the Girls Flag Football Pilot League, fueled by Gatorade, with eight high school girls teams representing Indianapolis and South Bend. They also have hosted clinics, jamborees, and other events, with the long-term goal of developing girls flag football as a sanctioned varsity sport in Indiana.

For more info, visit Colts.com/Flag.

USA Basketball announced that Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton was named a member of the 2024 USA Basketball Men’s National Team, which will compete at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, set for July 26-Aug. 11.

The team was selected by USA Basketball Men’s National Team managing director Grant Hill and approved by the USA Basketball Board of Directors.
“We want to congratulate Tyrese and we’re thrilled that he has been selected to represent our country and the Pacers organization as a member of the 2024 USA Basketball Men’s National Team,” said Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard. “We are incredibly proud of Tyrese for all he’s accomplished in his career thus far, which includes being an integral part of our success this season, and we can’t wait to see him shine on the international stage among the best players in the world at the upcoming Summer Olympics.”
In addition to Haliburton, the 2024 USA Men’s National Team features Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat), Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns), Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors), Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers), Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns),  Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers), Jrue Holiday (Boston Celtics), LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers), Kawhi Leonard (L.A. Clippers) and Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics).
“It’s an honor to introduce the 2024 USA Basketball Men’s National Team,” Hill said. “I’m grateful to these 12 men for their commitment to represent USA Basketball. The United States is home to some of the best basketball players in the world and I appreciate the vast interest in being part of this roster. These decisions weren’t easy, but it was a pleasure to go through the process and reach this outcome.
“We have the utmost respect for the level of competition we will face this summer. The Olympics represent the pinnacle of sport and the world will be watching the USA as we play in the toughest basketball tournament in history.”
Haliburton is one of six players who has competed at the World Cup, including Curry (2010, 2014), Davis (2014), Durant (2010), Edwards (2023), James (2006), and Tatum (2019). Haliburton and Edwards competed at the 2023 FIBA Men’s World Cup in Manila, helping to secure the United States’ Olympic bid.
USA Basketball will commence training camp on July 6 in Las Vegas. Following the game vs. Canada, the Americans will embark on an international training window that begins when the USA hosts Australia and Serbia on July 15 and 17, respectively, at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Australia and Serbia will also face off on July 18 in Abu Dhabi.
The USA Basketball Showcase continues at London’s O2 Arena when the USA men take on the national teams of South Sudan on July 20 and Germany on July 22, followed by a tilt between the USA women and Germany on July 23.
The USA Basketball Showcase features a series of games that help the USA Basketball National Teams prepare for major competitions, including the Olympic Summer Games and FIBA World Cup. For more information on the USA Basketball Showcase and to purchase tickets, click here.
The USA officially qualified for the Paris Games as one of the top two nations from the FIBA Americas zone at the 2023 FIBA World Cup in September. The American men will compete for their fifth straight – and 17^th overall – Olympic gold medal.
As part of Group C, the American men will face Serbia on July 28, South Sudan on July 31 and the winner of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Puerto Rico on Aug. 3 in the first round of the Olympic tournament. The 5-on-5 Olympic basketball group phase will take place in Lille, France, before the tournament moves to Paris for knockout and medal rounds.  
In total, USA Basketball will be represented by four teams at the 2024 Olympic Summer Games, including 5-on-5 men and women and 3x3 men and women. The USA are reigning Olympic champions in 5-on-5 men and women and 3x3 women, with 3x3 men set to make their Olympic debut this summer. More information about all four USA Basketball teams will be announced at a later date.

The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled a limited-edition Bob Knight Career Accomplishments Bobblehead honoring the legendary college basketball coach.

The special edition bobblehead is being produced by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum in conjunction with Knight Legacy. Founded by Coach Knight’s son, Pat Knight, Knight Legacy’s mission is to honor, promote, and preserve the Coach Knight Legacy and the footprint that Hall of Fame Coach Bob Knight made in the history of basketball.

Coach Knight passed away at his home in Bloomington surrounded by his family on November 1, 2023, at the age of 83.

Standing on a rectangular basketball court base with BOB KNIGHT and THE GENERAL on each side of an outline of the state of Indiana across the front, the Knight bobblehead is wearing a red sweater and navy pants and pointing to give instructions to his team. The framed backing of the base, which features one of his memorable quotes, “Mental is to physical as four is to one,” also includes a sketch of Knight, replica banners of the three national championships won under Coach Knight, a numerical rundown of Knight’s career accomplishments, and a replica of Knight’s autograph.

The bobbleheads, which will be individually numbered, are only available through the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s Online Store and at BobKnight.com. The bobbleheads are available for $40 each plus a flat-rate shipping charge of $8 per order. They are expected to ship in August.

In his coaching career, Knight finished with an overall record of 902-371. The 902 NCAA Division I victories was a record at the time of his retirement, and currently ranks fifth all-time. He is best known for winning three national championships as the head coach of Indiana in 1976, 1981 and 1987. In addition to coaching the Hoosiers from 1971 to 2000, he was also the head coach at Army from 1965 to 1971 and Texas Tech from 2001 to 2008. Other career highlights include 28 NCAA Tournament appearances, five trips to the Final Four, 11 Big Ten regular-season championships, and three Big Ten Coach of the Year awards.

Known as one of college basketball’s most successful and innovative coaches, having popularized the motion offense, Knight also won a National Invitation Tournament championship and 11 Big Ten Conference championships along with his three national titles. Knight received National Coach of the Year honors four times. In 1984, he coached the USA men’s Olympic team to a gold medal, becoming one of only three basketball coaches to win an NCAA title, NIT title and an Olympic gold medal. Knight was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991 and was a member of the founding class of the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006. He was also inducted into the Army Sports Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Indiana Hoosiers Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009.

When asked about the bobblehead, Pat Knight said, “Knight Legacy is excited to be partnering with the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame again to launch this one of a kind bobblehead highlighting my father’s career achievements and preserving his legacy. Being the last team to go undefeated in 1976 is something talked about at this time every year and something Coach was very proud of for this team reaching their full potential and accomplishing their goal.”

"We’re thrilled to be teaming up with Knight Legacy to add this very special bobblehead of Coach Knight to the collection,” National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum co-founder and CEO Phil Sklar said. “One of the most successful coaches in history, ‘The General’ has a list of career accomplishments worthy of a special bobblehead, and this bobblehead will be a must-have for fans!”

The Bob Knight Career Accomplishments Bobblehead is the latest featuring the Hall of Famer. Other previously released bobbleheads include one of a standing Knight wearing his signature red sweater, and another commemorating his infamous chair-throwing incident that occurred during a game in the 1984-85 season. The red sweater bobblehead is sold out, while the chair-throwing bobblehead is still available.