The Indianapolis Colts are proud to announce the inception of an awards program that identifies the top 24 high school academic all-stars in the State of Indiana.

In conjunction with the Indiana High School Athletic Association and the Indiana Football Coaches Association, the Colts will cite 24 outstanding student-athletes this weekend with a newly-created award called the 1999 Indiana High School Academic All-Stars.  The citation corresponds with the state high school football championship games and the Colts-New York Jets game taking place in the RCA Dome in Indianapolis this weekend.

The Colts, the IHSAA and the IFCA worked together to identify the top student-athletes at each position (including kickers).  The IFCA polled high school head coaches around the state, and 294 prospects were tabbed by head coaches.  The IFCA selection committee narrowed the list to 24 winners, and those chosen truly represent the spirit of the award.  Fifteen of the 24 honorees were either class valedictorians or salutatorians, while the lowest-ranked student on the list ranked 13^th in a class of 408, while also owning a 4.0 grade point average.

The 24 1999 Indiana High School Academic All-Stars will be honored this Friday at 2:00 p.m. in a press conference at the Colts’ Complex at 7001 West 56^th Street in Indianapolis.  The 24 student-athletes will be presented at halftime of the Colts-Jets game on Sunday (kickoff is 4:15 p.m. ET).

“On behalf of Jim Irsay and the Irsay family, and with deep appreciation for the IHSAA and IFCA, the Colts are pleased to honor 24 outstanding football players who represent their families and schools in an exemplary manner,” said Colts President Bill Polian.  “The character it takes to be an excellent achiever in the classroom and on the playing field is something that goes unnoticed too often.  This award honors those young men who carry themselves with dignity, integrity and a sense of purpose.  They, like many other students, possess the values cherished in young adults.  We are pleased to honor these individuals, and it will be an honor to have them on our playing field this Sunday.”

“On behalf of the IFCA, this is a great opportunity to honor another group of outstanding high school student-athletes around the State of Indiana.  This is what the IFCA is all about, and we thank the coaches and parents who helped shape the lives of these young men,” said Mark A. Miller, head football coach at Rochester High School and past IFCA president.  “Everyone I have talked with about this program is excited about the Indianapolis Colts participation with high schools.  We look forward to this being a long-lasting mutual relationship.”     

Media wishing to attend the Friday press conference at the Colts’ Complex are urged to contact Pam Watkins of the team’s public relations department at (317) 808-5111 to reserve space.  Please direct calls for information to Pam Watkins at (317) 808-5111 or Craig Kelley at (317) 808-5112.