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Linda Cajigas
Jacobs School of Music
lcajigas@indiana.edu
812-855-9846

Last modified: Monday, December 15, 2008

Dec. 9 now 'Royce Deckard Day' in Bloomington

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 16, 2008

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Royce Deckard, director of business and finance at Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music, received dual honors at a Dec. 9 "Legends" ceremony at Bloomington High School South.

He received Indiana's Distinguished Hoosier Award for his 35 years of service to the sport of wrestling. Bloomington Mayor Mark Kruzan had earlier declared Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008, "Royce Deckard Day" in the city.

Deckard was nominated by Ashley Gibbs, now a pre-doctoral psychology intern in Boys Town, Neb. Jacob Boomsma, a sophomore at South, presented the awards.

Royce Deckard at a Dec. 9, 2008, ceremony in his honor at Bloomington High School South.

Print-Quality Photo

In addition to his demanding schedule at one of the world's finest schools of music, Deckard has a legendary career in developing wrestling programs throughout Indiana and presently coaches at Bloomington High School South.

The Royce Deckard Day decree from the City of Bloomington cited Deckard's "unmatched depth of character and commitment" and "love for the sport of wrestling."

"Throughout his long career as a wrestling coach, Royce has led his teams to two State Championships, five Semi-State Championships, 10 Regional Championships and 18 Sectional Championships; in terms of individuals, he has coached 14 State Champions, 30 Semi-State Champions, 55 Regional Champions and 148 Sectional Champions while teaching his kids about hard work and determination both on and off the mat," stated the decree.

The Distinguished Hoosier Award cited Deckard as "such an individual who has earned the respect and admiration of Hoosiers across the state and is worthy to join the ranks of these honorees."

Deckard received a standing ovation from the crowd in attendance in the South gymnasium Dec. 9. Although this was the first time a Distinguished Hoosier Award was presented to a wrestling coach, he made it known that he preferred the spotlight to be placed on other Indiana wrestling legends gathered there for the occasion.