IBCA Names Three 2026 Virgil Sweet Award Recipients for Basketball Service

The Indiana Basketball Coaches Association named three of the state's most dedicated off-court contributors as its 2026 Virgil Sweet Award recipients, honoring former South Bend athletic administrator Greg Humnicky, basketball historian Jerry "Rocky" Kenworthy of Clayton, and WJCP Radio broadcaster Joe Ammerman of North Vernon.

The IBCA announced the selections on March 12, with one honoree drawn from each IHSAA district: Humnicky in District 1, Kenworthy in District 2, and Ammerman in District 3. The awards will be presented during the 2026 IBCA Clinic on April 23-24 at Mt. Vernon High School in Fortville.

The award recognizes individuals who have provided meritorious service in the promotion of basketball across Indiana beyond the role of a coach. It bears the name of Virgil Sweet, who coached at Valparaiso High School for 20 years, helped found the IBCA at its inception in 1970, and served as the association's executive director from 1974 through 1984. Sweet passed away on June 7, 2023.

Humnicky's selection reflects a career built on institutional service. He served as athletic director at South Bend Clay High School from 1988 to 2008, a 20-year tenure that made him one of the more enduring administrative presences in northern Indiana prep athletics. Since 1994, he has served simultaneously as secretary/treasurer and historian for the Northern Indiana Conference, a role he continues to hold.

Kenworthy, identified by the IBCA as a basketball historian, represents District 2 out of Clayton. The organization cited his contributions to preserving and promoting the game across Indiana, though the full scope of his historical work goes beyond the details the association released Thursday.

Ammerman brings a broadcasting dimension to this year's class. The Jennings County native has spent his career at WJCP Radio in North Vernon, where his coverage has amplified high school basketball in a part of the state that might otherwise receive limited attention. He and his wife, Kimberly, have three daughters, Natalie, Kelbi, and Daphne, and four grandchildren.

Last year's Virgil Sweet recipients were Harold Welter of District 1, Greg Rakestraw of District 2, and Mark Brochin of District 3. Questions about this year's honorees can be directed to Pat McKee, IBCA Director of Special Projects, at 317-403-1665.