Dave Bernhard, who has covered high school sports in Illinois for nearly 40 years in print, radio and on television, was honored with his IHSA Distinguished Media Service Award on Saturday, June 10, 2017 at Slammer Stadium in Joliet as a part of the IHSA Class 3A/4A Baseball State Finals.

All told, Dave has covered over 2,000 high school contests in his career, but his greatest impact has undoubtedly come broadcasting IHSA State Finals on the IHSA TV Network. Dave has called play-by-play on over 500 state finals in numerous sports, becoming the face and voice of IHSA State Final action along the way.

Joined by friends and family (above), the ceremony began with fellow IHSA Distinguished Media Service Award winner Jim O'Boye (below), the long-time producer of IHSA TV who originally hired Dave, highlighting Dave's career and the award. Matt Troha from the IHSA staff then presented Dave with his honorary plaque. Dave closed the ceremony by addressing the crowd. See video of his powerful words on why he loves high school sports below: