Lake Central captured the Indiana High School Athletic Association’s Class 4A baseball championship on Saturday, defeating Bloomington South 4-0 in a tightly contested final.
Azcui’s Award and Future Plans
Blake Azcui, the Panthers’ starting designated hitter and outfielder, received the Bob Gardner Mental Attitude Award, recognizing his academic excellence alongside his athletic contributions.
The honor comes with a $1,000 scholarship from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance and a commitment from Azcui to pursue mechanical engineering at the University of Cincinnati.
Beyond the award, Azcui logged more than 40 hours of community service, mentoring middle‑school students through Campus Life, and graduated with a 4.34 GPA while serving as co‑president of the Panther Athletic Council.
Educators Honored for Educational Impact
The IHSAA’s Champion of Education Award was bestowed upon teachers Drew Frey of Bloomington South and Tom Halterman of Lake Central, celebrating their dedication to challenging students and fostering holistic development.
Each recipient will receive a $250 grant for their classroom, reinforcing the association’s belief that strong educators deserve tangible support.
Frey and Halterman were highlighted for going above and beyond to inspire students, embodying the spirit the award seeks to recognize.
The ceremony also underscored the broader partnership between the IHSAA, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, and local institutions, illustrating a shared commitment to student achievement.
As the state looks ahead, the recognition of athletes like Azcui and educators like Frey and Halterman sets a benchmark for future generations of scholars and competitors.