East Central's Stenger Named to IHSAA Student Advisory Committee

Eighteen high school student-athletes were selected.

INDIANAPOLIS - Eighteen high school student-athletes from across the Hoosier State will serve next school year as members of the 2026-27 IHSAA Student Advisory Committee (SAC).

Nine juniors have been tabbed to join nine seniors who are beginning their second year with the group with all receiving hands-on leadership experience through several IHSAA sponsored events.

Each year, the IHSAA receives nominations from school principals on behalf of student athletes from IHSAA member schools. From that group of nominations, 21 are selected for interviews by members of the IHSAA Executive Committee and returning members of the SAC. From those interviews, nine incoming juniors are invited to join the group of nine returning seniors.

From those interviews, nine juniors are invited to join the group, including East Central High School student Natalie Stenger. 

The SAC, which began in 2001-02, represents the entire IHSAA membership of 412 schools, and its structure reflects that of the IHSAA Board of Directors in terms of classification and districts. With assistant commissioners Robert Faulkens and Kerrie Rosati administering, the SAC meets four times annually – twice each semester – and is responsible for hosting meetings with student peers at the Fall Area Principals Meetings; assisting with the awards ceremonies at IHSAA state championship events throughout the school year, planning and administering the annual IHSAA Student Leadership Conference and to engage in and support the activities of Special Olympics Indiana including the Unified Track & Field and Unified Flag Football State Tournaments.

Other SAC functions include the development of an IHSAA Captain’s Handbook which is posted to IHSAA.org as well as assisting in the creation of multiple public service announcements addressing good sporting behavior which will be utilized during 2026-27 state championships events.