IHSA Announces 2025-26 Distinguished Service Award Winners

The IHSA Distinguished Service Award is one of the Association's highest honors, presented annually to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Illinois high school sports and activities. Recipients embody the spirit of service, leadership, and dedication that strengthen participation opportunities for students across the state.

The 2025-26 group of honorees includes Dan Jones, John Knight, Steve Lacni, Chris Merli, Roger Nichols, Ben Stewart, and Angie Wilmington.

Whether through decades of officiating, coaching, event hosting, administration, or behind-the-scenes support, these honorees have gone above and beyond to elevate the IHSA experience. Their commitment ensures that State Series events are well-run, students are supported, and the values of sportsmanship, teamwork, and lifelong learning remain at the center of interscholastic activities.

The IHSA Distinguished Service Award program began in 2007 and annually recognized winners through 2019. The award was put on hiatus during the pandemic, before returning in 2025.

Award winners are nominated by the IHSA staff and will be recognized at an IHSA State Final or member-school event of their choosing. Each honoree represents the very best of the thousands of individuals who give their time and talents to make high school athletics and activities in Illinois possible.

DAN JONES
"As a state final host, Dan was always a consummate professional, yet there was a lightness to his demeanor that made people want to work with and for him. That special balance created an atmosphere that made us all aware that it was important to put on a first-class event, but that the experience was also supposed to be fun."
-Matt Troha, IHSA Associate Executive Director

Dan Jones time as an athletic director led him to interact with the IHSA in a variety of ways, from hosting multiple state finals to continuing to serve as one of the PA voices of the IHSA Individual Boys Wrestling State Finals, a role he continues to this day.

Dan was a teacher and coach in the DeKalb school district for 15 years before taking on the athletic director position at DeKalb High School in 2006. In 2013, he accepted the same position at Hinsdale Central, which he held until his retirement following the 2022-23 school year.

While at Hinsdale Central, Jones brought three state final events to the school, as he served as the tournament manager for the IHSA Boys Gymnastics State Finals and the IHSA Boys & Girls Lacrosse State Finals, while also co-hosting the IHSA Boys & Girls Swimming & Diving State Finals at FMC Natatorium in Westmont alongside Hinsdale South. All told, Jones estimates he hosted well over 50 IHSA State Series events during his career. He also gave back through committee work, serving terms on the IHSA's Wrestling, Athletic Advisory, Sportsmanship, and Financial committees.

A four-sport athlete (cross country, football, wrestling, track & field) as a student at Oak Forest High School, Jones went to earn degrees from Illinois State University and Aurora University. He now resides in Downers Grove and runs a home improvement business in retirement, while also serving as a PA announcer for Hinsdale Central athletics. He was supported throughout his career by his late wife Julie and their children Jacob, Evan, Sophie, and Lily.

"I always enjoyed my time as an Athletic Director and working closely with the IHSA and its staff," said Jones. "I am honored and humbled by this award and am thankful for all the IHSA has done for the Illinois high school student-athletes over the years."

Recognition event: 2026 IHSA Individual Boys Wrestling State Finals on Friday, February 20, 2026, at the State Farm Center in Champaign prior to the Semifinal Session.

JOHN KNIGHT
"John Knight's voice and presence have become part of the very spirit of IHSA Speech. As a trusted judge, skilled announcer, and master of ceremonies, John brings professionalism, warmth, and joy to every event embodying the excellence and community that make IHSA performing arts so special."
-Susie Knoblauch, IHSA Assistant Executive Director

Few individuals have contributed more consistently to the IHSA's Speech and Drama programs than John Knight, whose passion for performance and dedication to student growth have made him a fixture at state finals for more than two decades.

Knight's connection to IHSA performing arts began as a competitor at Pekin Community High School, where he was an IHSA State Finalist in Speech in 1982 and 1983 and earned All-State Cast honors in 1983. That early experience inspired a career devoted to helping students find their voice and confidence through performance.

He began coaching at Woodruff High School in Peoria in 1988, serving as head speech coach and play and group interpretation director for five years. Knight went on to lead similar programs at Thornwood High School from 1993 to 1998 and later coached at Downers Grove South and Glenbrook South, where he guided students in speech, play, and group interpretation until his retirement from the classroom in 2020.

In addition to his work in schools, Knight has been a vital contributor to IHSA State Series events for decades. He has served as the official announcer for the IHSA State Final in Speech-Individual Events for the past 16 years, while also assisting with the State Drama Finals and numerous regional and sectional tournaments as a judge, timer, and general assistant since the late 1990s.

Knight earned his bachelor's degree from Illinois State University and his master's from Roosevelt University. He resides in Chicago with his husband, Brad Lyons. Beyond his IHSA involvement, Knight works as a standardized patient instructor at several major medical schools, including Rush University and the University of Chicago, and serves on the Joseph Jefferson Awards Committee, which recognizes excellence in Chicago theatre.

"I am proud to be recognized for service to the IHSA," said Knight. "The performing arts are vital to the creative and emotional lives of our teens, and I have spent my career ensuring students had access to live performance opportunities and theatrical expression."

Recognition event: 2026 IHSA Speech State Finals on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Civic Center in Peoria.

STEVE LACNI
"What truly distinguishes Steve is his far-reaching commitment to ensuring every IHSA event is run at a first-class level. His attention to detail, collaborative spirit, and willingness to go above and beyond have made him an invaluable partner to the IHSA and a role model for athletic administrators across Illinois."
-Stacey Lambert, IHSA Assistant Executive Director

For more than three decades, Steve Lacni has been a pillar of leadership, service, and hospitality within Illinois high school athletics, leaving an enduring impact on the IHSA and the countless students, coaches, and communities he has supported along the way. His remarkable career reflects a deep and sustained commitment to providing first-class championship experiences across multiple sports.

Lacni began his career in education at De La Salle Institute in Chicago in 1988, teaching mathematics and physics while coaching track & field and football and serving as Assistant Athletic Director. In 1993, he joined the staff at Elk Grove High School, where he continued to teach and coach before becoming Boys Athletic Director from 2000 to 2008. Lacni then moved to Hoffman Estates High School, where he has served as Athletic Director since 2008, becoming the longest-tenured AD in the school's history and completing 32 years in the Mid-Suburban League.

His connection to the IHSA is defined by exceptional service as a host and tournament manager. Lacni has overseen countless regional, sectional, and super-sectional events throughout his career and has managed an extraordinary number of state finals: 17 in Boys Volleyball, 12 in Boys Soccer, and one in Girls Soccer. Beyond state finals, Steve has consistently opened the doors of Hoffman Estates High School to host a wide variety of IHSA events. These include numerous Boys and Girls Water Polo Sectionals, Boys and Girls Basketball Regionals, Sectionals, and Super-Sectionals, Cross Country Regionals and Sectionals, as well as Girls Soccer Regionals. In each case, Steve has set a standard of excellence in hospitality, organization, and professionalism, making Hoffman Estates not only a trusted IHSA host site but also a welcoming destination for high school athletes from across the state.

Reflecting on the honor, Lacni shared: "I cherish the relationships I have made with everyone at the IHSA. I am humbled and appreciate the trust they have put in me and my team at Hoffman Estates High School to host the many phases of IHSA state final events over the years. It has truly been an extraordinary experience witnessing student-athletes excel at such a high level. Hosting these events is our commitment to the IHSA membership schools where athletes, coaches, and spectators can enjoy a first-class experience." He also expressed deep gratitude for the support of Township High School District 211 leadership and his fellow athletic directors.

Lacni is profoundly thankful for the support of his partner, Vilma; his children and daughter-in-law; his grandchildren; and his late parents, whose encouragement helped shape the educator and leader he is today.

Recognition event: To be announced

CHRIS MERLI
"Chris Merli has been an instrumental figure for high school chess in Illinois. From shaping the structure of the IHSA State Series to managing the IHSA State Finals, he has a wealth of knowledge about the tournament and the game itself that has made the IHSA Team Chess Tournament one of the largest high school chess tournaments in the country, if not world."
-Dan Le, IHSA Assistant Executive Director

Chris Merli's decades-long involvement with Illinois high school chess has made him a central figure in one of the IHSA's most unique activities. His passion for the game has spanned roles as a coach, steward, and tournament leader-culminating in his service as the Chief of the IHSA State Chess Championships.

Merli began his involvement with high school chess as a coach at University High School in Urbana, a position he held from 2000 to 2015. He first joined the IHSA State Chess Championships staff in 2002 as a steward, became the Pairing Chief in 2005, and took over as the overall Chief in 2011 following the retirement of longtime director Mike Zacate.

After earning his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Merli spent most of his professional life teaching Biology and Chemistry at Richland Community College, before retiring in August of 2025.

A graduate of St. Charles West High School in Missouri, Merli was active in chess, math, and tennis as a student. He went on to earn his undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a master's degree from the University of Missouri-St. Louis before completing his doctorate at Illinois.

Merli resides in Mt. Zion with his wife, Lynn. In addition to chess, he enjoys cycling, woodworking, and running a popular Halloween home haunt known as The Edgewater Mortuary.

"I have never believed I was doing something special," said Merli. "I enjoy the game and have enjoyed sharing it with others as coach and director. I think this award helps to remind me of how much the love of the game by so many has enriched all of our lives."

Recognition event: 2026 IHSA Chess State Finals on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Civic Center in Peoria. Presentation will occur just before 9:00 AM before the start of Round 5.

ROGER NICHOLS
"It is difficult to capture in words the tremendous value Roger brings to the IHSA, the game of softball, and the officials he serves. His knowledge, passion, and unwavering dedication have strengthened the sport and elevated the standard of officiating in Illinois. Roger's legacy is one of service, mentorship, and excellence-a legacy that will continue to shape high school softball for years to come."
-Tracie Henry, IHSA Assistant Executive Director

Few officials in Illinois have demonstrated the consistency, commitment, and longevity of Roger Nichols, whose nearly half-century of service to the IHSA has made him one of the state's most respected figures in officiating circles.

Nichols began his officiating career in 1977, starting with wrestling before later adding basketball and softball to his repertoire. Over time, softball became his greatest passion, where he has served the IHSA not only on the field but also as a mentor and leader to countless other officials. He has umpired the IHSA Softball State Finals more than five times, as well as serving as the Umpire-in-Chief for the past 13 years. In addition, Nichols has long been an IHSA clinician and rules interpreter for softball, while also working as a basketball clinician and serving on multiple advisory and rules committees throughout his career.

His contributions have earned him significant recognition, as he was named the NFHS Softball Official of the Year in 2008, was inducted into the Illinois ASA Hall of Fame in 2018, and was honored by the Illinois Softball Coaches Association in 2004.

A graduate of Bloomington High School, Nichols competed in both wrestling and football as a student. Professionally, he spent 22 years in construction with Laborer's Local 362-earning his 50-year gold card with the union-followed by another 22 years in custodial services for the Unit 5 school district. He retired after serving as head custodian at Oakdale Elementary School and continues to enjoy his well-earned retirement in Normal.

Roger and his wife, Sue, have a blended family of five children-Courtney, Sara, Stacy, Tony, and Andy-and nine grandchildren. When not on the diamond or attending games, he enjoys yardwork, golf, and supporting his grandchildren's activities.

"I always read the press release when the recipients are named and it's an elite group of people," said Nichols. "So, I am humbled to have even been considered for this award, much less actually selected to receive it. This award means so much to me as I'm getting closer to the end of my officiating career. I'm honored to receive this recognition and thankful for all the help and support I've received throughout my career."

Recognition event: 2026 IHSA Softball State Finals on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Louisville Slugger complex in Peoria.

BEN STEWART
"Ben has not only transformed how tournaments are run, his vision and innovation revolutionized how directors, coaches, and students experience competition. Through SpeechWire and TourneyWire, Ben created more than just technology; he built connection, efficiency, and opportunity for programs across Illinois and beyond. His technical expertise, reliability, and genuine care for IHSA events have made him an invaluable partner and a true champion for the IHSA community."
-Susie Knoblauch, IHSA Assistant Executive Director

Few individuals have shaped the landscape of IHSA activity administration as profoundly as Ben Stewart, whose creation and stewardship of SpeechWire and TourneyWire transformed how tournaments across the state-and eventually the country-are run. What began as a passion project in his late teens has become one of the most widely used tournament-management systems in high school activities nationwide, with the IHSA playing a central role in that story.

A Wheaton North graduate, Stewart was deeply involved in IHSA activities during his own high school years, winning the 2003 IHSA State Championship in Radio Speaking and helping lead the Falcons to the 2003 Scholastic Bowl team state title. His involvement also extended to student leadership, journalism, theater, and multiple academic honor societies. While still a student, he began developing the software that would ultimately become SpeechWire-writing the early scheduling code during the summer after his high school graduation, inspired by guidance from his longtime speech coach, Stan Austin.

Stewart first posted results from the IHSA Speech Individual Events State Final in 2006, and by 2007, SpeechWire was powering the entire State Series. Over the next decade, the IHSA expanded its partnership with his platforms: Journalism (since 2009), Music (2011), Cheerleading (2012), Dance (2013), and Gymnastics (2014) all began running on TourneyWire, while Drama/Group Interpretation transitioned to SpeechWire in 2017. Today, Stewart's systems support thousands of events annually across the country-an impact rooted in the early trust and opportunities extended by IHSA leaders.

A graduate of Northwestern University with degrees in Journalism and Political Science, Stewart also spent several years as a part-time web producer at ABC 7 Chicago. He now resides in Chicago, where he serves on the Executive Board of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's Overture Council and is an active member of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

"The first time I attended the IHSA speech state finals, I thought it would be an amazing event to help run," Stewart said. "I certainly didn't think I'd be helping run the state final on my own software six years later, and absolutely would not have thought I'd eventually provide services to thousands of events around the country each year. This award reflects the immense gratitude I have for the IHSA for believing in me and giving me the wonderful opportunities that it has."

He added that his career would not have been possible without the support and confidence of IHSA administrators Susie Knoblauch, Scott Johnson, and Tracie Henry, nor without the early mentorship of coach Stan Austin, whose lessons helped shape the foundation of SpeechWire's original design.

Recognition event: 2026 IHSA Speech Individual Events State Finals on Saturday, February 21, at the Peoria Civic Center.

ANGIE WILMINGTON
"Angie Wilmington's warm smile and welcoming spirit set the tone for every IHSA cheer event. As a judge, clinician, rule interpreter, and longtime state final volunteer, her knowledge and kindness uplift everyone around her and exemplify the true heart of IHSA spirit."
-Susie Knoblauch, IHSA Assistant Executive Director

Angie Wilmington has been a cornerstone of IHSA competitive cheerleading for nearly two decades, serving the sport with expertise, leadership, and a deep passion for helping student-athletes shine. Her steady presence and commitment to excellence have made her one of the state's most trusted and respected officials in the sport.

Wilmington has spent 18 years as an IHSA competitive cheerleading official and the past 10 as a clinician, helping to train and mentor the next generation of officials. She has served as Head Official at both the IHSA State Finals and Sectional competitions.

A graduate of Illinois Valley Central High School in Chillicothe, Wilmington was a cheerleader herself before going on to earn a bachelor's degree in Mass Communications from Illinois State University and a master's degree in Teaching from Western Illinois University. Her professional career has included more than two decades as the Preschool Director at St. Edward Preschool in Chillicothe, as well as time with Varsity Spirit Brands and now Mossville Elementary and Junior High School.

Wilmington lives in Chillicothe and is the proud mother of Cam and Alyssa Wilmington, and grandmother to Reagan, Taylor, and Logan. Her dedication to cheerleading-and to the people behind it-has always guided her approach.

"Officiating IHSA competitive cheerleading has taught me that success is built on passion, perseverance, and people," said Wilmington. "To be recognized by this Association is deeply humbling, and I'm proud to have grown with a sport that challenges, uplifts, and unites so many incredible people. A special thank you to my mentor and friend, Susie Knoblauch, who inspires me daily to lead with grace."

Recognition event: 2026 IHSA Cheerleading State Finals on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington.