*HC1034*
Introduced Version
HOUSE CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION No. ____
DIGEST OF INTRODUCED RESOLUTION
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION honoring the life and
legacy of Tom Jernstedt.
Porter
_______________________, read first time and referred to Committee on
20212673
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 Introduced
First Regular Session of the 122nd General Assembly (2021)
HOUSE CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION No. ____
1 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION honoring the life and
2 legacy of Tom Jernstedt.
3 Whereas, Mr. Thomas Walter Jernstedt, a legend and
4 champion for men and women student athletes, passed away
5 September 5, 2020;
6 Whereas, Mr. Jernstedt, who spent 38 years working for the
7 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) as a leader
8 and passionate administrator, is often referred to as the
9 "Father of the Final Four";
10 Whereas, Mr. Jernstedt was born in McMinnville, Oregon, on
11 November 24, 1944, to Don and Catherine Jernstedt;
12 Whereas, Mr. Jernstedt grew up in the small town of Carlton,
13 Oregon, where he was an all-state athlete in football,
14 basketball, and baseball at Yamhill-Carlton High School and
15 also served as the student body president;
16 Whereas, Mr. Jernstedt attended the University of Oregon,
17 becoming the student body president, again, before graduating
18 in 1967 with a bachelor's degree in political science and a
19 master's in education in 1973;
20 Whereas, Mr. Jernstedt worked in the University of Oregon
21 Athletics Department as an events manager before taking a
22 position with the NCAA as director of events in 1972;
23 Whereas, Mr. Jernstedt held multiple governance positions
24 with USA Basketball starting in 1975, culminating as its
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1 president from 2001 to 2004;
2 Whereas, Mr. Jernstedt was influential in moving the NCAA
3 headquarters from Kansas City, Missouri, to Indianapolis in
4 1999, bringing additional prestige and events to the city;
5 Whereas, Mr. Jernstedt's many accomplishments included:
6 induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, 2017; the
7 John Bunn Award for outstanding lifetime dedication to
8 basketball, 2001; the University of Oregon's Distinguished
9 Alumni Award, 2001; the United States Sports Academy's
10 Distinguished Service Award; the Indianapolis Convention and
11 Visitors Association's Bill McGowan Leadership Award; and
12 USA Basketball's Edward S. Steitz Award, 2009;
13 Whereas, The National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame
14 enshrined Mr. Jernstedt as a contributor to the game in 2010,
15 and he was inducted posthumously into the Oregon Sports Hall
16 of Fame in 2020;
17 Whereas, Mr. Jernstedt received Indiana's highest civilian
18 honor, the Sagamore of the Wabash, in 2017;
19 Whereas, Mr. Jernstedt was known by friends, family, and
20 colleagues as a thoughtful, respectable, likeable, honest, and
21 silent power who "carried a big stick, but never used it";
22 Whereas, Mr. Jernstedt was a loving husband, father,
23 grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend who made time
24 for everyone;
25 Whereas, Mr. Jernstedt is survived by his wife, Kristine; son,
26 Cole; son, Derek; daughter, Jaci; brother, Rich; sister, Missy;
27 sister, Susie; grandchildren, Jake and Avery; and in-laws; and
28 Whereas, Mr. Jernstedt lived his life, loved his sport, served
29 his community, and made a difference in the lives of countless
30 athletes: Therefore,
31 Be it resolved by the House of Representatives
32 of the General Assembly of the State of Indiana,
33 the Senate concurring:
34 SECTION 1. That the Indiana General Assembly honors the
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1 life and legacy of Mr. Thomas Walter Jernstedt for his many
2 years of service with the National Collegiate Athletics
3 Association.
4 SECTION 2. That the Indiana General Assembly remembers
5 Mr. Thomas Walter Jernstedt for his many contributions to
6 supporting and promoting collegiate sports across Indiana and
7 the United States of America.
8 SECTION 3. That the Principal Clerk of the House of
9 Representatives shall transmit copies of this resolution to the
10 office of State Representative Gregory Porter for distribution.
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