Blackford County Athletic Department Reports $25,000 Gift, Ticket Price Increase, and Shot Clock Watch

From the Blackford County Schools Board meeting on April 21, 2026

The Blackford County Schools athletic department received a $25,000 estate gift from the late Russ Sutton, used to purchase new bench chairs for the gym. One distinctive white chair was designated "in honor of Russ" at his traditional seat. A memorial tennis bench is also being created for the late Brian Smith, a long-time tennis coach who grew the program significantly.

The athletic director recommended increasing varsity single-night admission from $6 to $7 to match CIC conference pricing. All Blackford students in 5th-12th grade will continue to get a pass-per-student, and family passes remain unchanged. The board appeared comfortable with the change, which was presented as informational rather than requiring a formal vote.

On future costs, Indiana is one of six states without a high school basketball shot clock. The IHSAA is considering implementation, likely for the 2028-29 season. The equipment would cost roughly $10,000 per gym, plus an operator at every game. Blackford's scoreboards are already compatible, but both the main and practice gyms would need to be equipped.

Winter sports highlights included a men's basketball sectional title and regional appearance, two state qualifiers in women's wrestling, and regional qualifiers in women's diving.

Source: YouTube transcript — Blackford County - School Board Meeting - April 21, 2026

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.

Edit: Article previously stated that K-12 students get into varsity games for free; this was inaccurate. Students in grades 5-12 get in free. K-4 students can still use the $20 all-season pass per child or pay single admission per event.