Heights’ Ogden Named IHSWCA Tom Cameron Administrator Of The Year
Kurt Ogden, Hamilton Heights High School Athletic Director, is this year’s recipient of the Indiana High School Wrestling Coaches Association’s (IHSWCA) Tom Cameron Administrator of the Year award. The award recognizes an individual who has exemplified the highest standards of the profession and has made significant contributions to his or her school, district and/or state.
“I feel extremely flattered and honored to receive the Tom Cameron Administrator of the Year award,” said Kurt Ogden, Athletic Director for Hamilton Heights High School. “Looking at the list of recipients over the past 12 years, it looks like the Mt. Rushmore of Indiana Athletic Administrators. So to be the joining this elite group is something I will cherish forever.”
Ogden has been in education for 38 years. He was an educator at Tipton Middle School for 14 years (1985-1999) and Tipton High School for 11 years (1999) prior to taking on the School Athletic Administrator for Hamilton Heights in 2010. Backed by a MA in Physical Education and Health, 25 years as a coach of a variety of sports at all grade levels), Ogden hit the ground running.
“I always feel like AD’s do a ton of work with not much praise,” explained Gary Myers, Hamilton Heights High School Wrestling Coach and President of the Indiana High School Girls Wrestling & Coaches Association. “A few of the reasons why Mr. Ogden won was for his vision, leadership, and quick willingness to help girls wrestling get started. Hamilton Heights’ held the first Girls Wrestling State Championships and two more after that! Another reason has been his lifelong work as an Athletic Director! Congrats again Mr. Ogden!!!”
“As the leader of athletics at the high school, I thoroughly enjoy shaping the experiences of young athletes in a positive way,” said Ogden reflecting over his tenure at Heights. “We’ve had a lot of recognition and success with athletics the past 13 years in several different sports. We’ve celebrated several individual state champions and enjoyed a tremendous 2012-13 year when we had two teams (Football and Girls Basketball) reach the state finals. That’s not accomplished without hiring qualified and experienced coaches who are committed to developing the student athlete on and off the field. And I’ve been blessed to hire some of the best coaches who have the same vision I have for their athletes.”
“I want to thank Gary Myers for nominating me,” continued Ogden. “I have tremendous respect for the sport of wrestling and the sacrifices and commitments required to be successful. I especially respect everything Gary has accomplished at Hamilton Heights with his wrestling program. It has been one of the most successful programs, if not the most successful long-term programs in athletics at Hamilton Heights High School. So again, it is a privilege and honor to be a part of it.”
“I may be biased but I believe Kurt is one of the very best athletic directors in the state,” added Dr. Derek Arrowood, Superintendent, Hamilton Heights School Corporation. “Throughout his
career in public education and athletics, Kurt has developed student athletes, coaches, and athletic staff. He has greatly elevated our athletic programs, is extremely dedicated to his work, and is well respected among our staff and his peers. Moreover, he’s been a great asset to Heights and deserving of this recognition.”
Tom Cameron was an outstanding wrestling coach at Merrillville High School from 1975 to 1992 who went on to become a well-respected athletic administrator. After his passing the award was created in his honor with the first recipient in 2007.
Photo caption: Kurt Ogden, Hamilton Heights High School Athletic Director, is the recipient of the coveted IHSWCA 2023 Tom Cameron Administrator of the Year award. Courtesy photo.