2024 Becky Skillman Leadership Institute to feature iconic sports panel

BEDFORD— The upcoming 2024 Becky Skillman Leadership Institute promises to be a memorable event for Hoosiers. It features a panel of four legendary figures from the sports world. Scheduled for Monday, October 9, at the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence County, the panel includes notable players, coaches, and journalists who have made significant contributions to Indiana basketball.

The lineup includes:

Damon Bailey: An Indiana University Hoosier and Bedford North Lawrence (BNL) star, Bailey is celebrated as the all-time leading scorer in Indiana high school basketball history with 3,134 points. He led BNL to the 1990 state championship and later returned to coach the 2014 4A girls’ state champion team.

Danny Bush

Danny Bush: The former coach of Damon Bailey and the BNL Stars during their 1990 state championship season, Bush is also a notable player, having contributed to Oolitic High School’s sectional-winning teams before playing at Indiana State University.

Bob Hammel

Bob Hammel: Serving as the Herald-Times sports editor from 1966 to 1996, Hammel is a 15-time recipient of the Indiana Sportswriter of the Year award. He has authored five books about Hoosier basketball, solidifying his legacy as a prominent sports storyteller.

Bob Bridge

Bob Bridge: The former sports editor and columnist for the Bedford Times-Mail, Bridge covered numerous BNL state championship seasons and was inducted into the Indiana Sportswriters & Sportscasters Hall of Fame in 2005.

All four panelists are Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame members, recognized for their impactful careers as players, coaches, and storytellers.

Event Details

The 10th annual Becky Skillman Leadership Institute will occur from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on October 9th, with registration beginning at 10:30 a.m. Tickets are priced at $50 each, while table sponsorships are available for $600 and $1,000. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence County.

“Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from the best of the best in basketball,” said Skillman, the former Indiana lieutenant governor and Bedford native. “They can expect entertaining and inspirational stories as these icons reflect on their journeys.”

Skillman, who initiated the speaker series after her tenure as lieutenant governor, expressed her satisfaction with the event’s impact on the community. “We’re fortunate to have four Hall of Famers participate this year, and supporting the next generation of leaders is essential,” she remarked.

How to Register

To register for the luncheon, attendees can reach out via: