Rep. Lyness Honors Champion East Central High School Football Team at the Statehouse

Former Vice President Mike Pence made an appearance too.

State Rep. Randy Lyness (R-West Harrison) (front left) and former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence (front right) congratulate the East Central High School football team for their undefeated season and for winning the Class 4A state championship on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, in the House Chamber of the Statehouse in Indianapolis. The team beat the NorthWood Panthers, from Nappanee, 42-14 in November 2023. Photo provided.

INDIANAPOLIS - State Rep. Randy Lyness (R-West Harrison) recently honored the East Central High School football team at the Statehouse for their undefeated season and taking home the Class 4A state championship.

Lyness, who represents all of Dearborn County, recognized the team during the legislative session Thursday in the House Chamber. Lyness said the team received a special surprise as former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence stopped by to congratulate the players.

"These young Hoosiers are not only amazing athletes, but great examples of what you can accomplish as a team through hard work and dedication," Lyness said. "It's incredible that these players brought home back-to-back state championships, which hadn't happened in the 50 years of their program history. I'm sure these young men have bright futures ahead of them and I wish all of them the very best."

During the 2023 high school football season, East Central went undefeated over 15 games and won the Class 4A state championship for the second year in a row.

While at the Statehouse, the team toured the secretary of state's office and state legislators recognized them during both the House and Senate sessions.

Lyness also recognized Josh Ringer, running back and now a college student, for being named 2023 Indiana Mr. Football.

Lyness said students who are interested in visiting the Statehouse can sign up to be a House page and assist state lawmakers and staff with daily duties while having the opportunity to tour the governor's office, the Supreme Court, and House and Senate chambers. Interested Hoosier students or parents can visit indianahouserepublicans.com/pageprogram to fill out the online application and select a day to participate during the 2024 legislative session.