FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEHOUSE (March 30, 2026) – State Sen. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) was presented the Richard G. Lugar Award for Distinguished Service by the Indiana High School Athletic Association during the Boys Basketball State Finals on Saturday, March 28.
The award, named after United States Senator Richard Lugar, is presented to Hoosiers who embody the highest standards of professional ethics, sportsmanship and moral character.
A lifelong basketball fan, Alting was a member of the 1974 Lafayette Jefferson High School state finals basketball team.
"Throughout my time in the Indiana Senate, I have been presented many awards for my work for our state, but receiving an award named after my friend and mentor Richard Lugar is one of the greatest honors of my career," Alting said. "Sen. Lugar dedicated his career to improving Indiana, and I am grateful for his service to our state and his friendship."
The award has been presented since 2017 to distinguished Hoosiers like humanitarian and civic leader Jim Morris, World Series champion and Dodgers legend Carl Erskine, and Fever legend Tamika Catchings.
A philanthropist himself, Alting has presented multiple local high school seniors with scholarships during the IU Health Hoops Classic tournaments.
"Basketball has deep roots in Indiana, and the mission of the IHSAA is so important in teaching young people how to handle adversity and the importance of hard work and sportsmanship," Alting said. "Our state's coaches help teach the importance of good values and being a productive member of society, and for that I am grateful to anyone who helps Hoosier student athletes grow."
Photo Caption: State Sen. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette, center right) is presented with the Richard G. Lugar Award for Distinguished Service by the IHSAA on Saturday, March 28, during the Indiana State Boys' Basketball finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Joining Alting are IHSAA Commissioner Paul Neidig, left, former Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and former IHSAA Commissioner Bobby Cox. Photo courtesy of IHSAA.
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State Sen. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) represents Senate District 22,
which includes Carroll County and portions of Tippecanoe County .
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
Contact: Lance Gideon, Press Secretary
Lance.Gideon@iga.in.gov
317-234-9221
