Decatur Tribune Sports Editor and sportswriter J. Thomas McNamara has covered high school sports in Decatur and Macon County for 58 years, dating back to his start as a high school sophomore while attending St. Teresa High School in Decatur.

Nominated for the IHSA Distinguished Media Service Award by Maroa-Forsyth High School, Tom’s recognition ceremony was especially significant, as it came on Friday, September 4, 2015 when Maroa-Forsyth traveled to St. Teresa for a varsity football contest.

Surrounded by family, including grandchildren who currently attend both high schools, Tom accepted the award from Maroa-Forsyth Principal Scott Adreon and St. Teresa Principal Dr. Ken Hendriksen. Photos of the ceremony courtesy of the Decatur Herald & Review, as well as video of Tom’s acceptance speech are available below: