Munster’s John Doherty will receive the Inaugural Jim Morris Humanitarian Award this Saturday during halftime of the 3A Boys Basketball State Championship in Indianapolis! Jim Morris was a lifelong advocate for Indiana youth sports, playing a pivotal role in shaping high school athletics in the state. As Vice Chairman of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, he helped form the Indiana Pacers’ partnership with the IHSAA, ensuring that student-athletes could compete for state championships at Gainbridge Fieldhouse—just like the pros. Beyond basketball, Morris was a mission-driven servant leader, working to expand opportunities for young athletes by securing sponsorships, scholarships, and development programs. His passion for sports as a tool for education, leadership, and community building left a lasting legacy across Indiana. John Doherty embodies these same values. A Certified Athletic Trainer at Munster High School from 1985-2015, he has dedicated his life to athlete safety, sports medicine, and education. He authored the IHSAA’s heat illness prevention program, protecting athletes across the state, and has written a weekly sports medicine column for The Times of Northwest Indiana since 1985. His commitment to the future of sports extends beyond the field—he has established three endowed scholarship programs that will benefit future athletic trainers and sports officials for generations to come. Congratulations, John! Your commitment to student-athletes and high school athletics is truly inspiring. #MustangPride #GoMustangs #IHSAA #JimMorrisAward #HoosierSportsLegacy