Illinois High School Association Honored Media Veterans
The association named four broadcasters to its 12th class of Distinguished Media Service Award recipients.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Awards
The Illinois High School Association has selected its 12th class of Distinguished Media Service Award honorees. The group includes broadcasting veterans Scott Slocum and Jim Teckenbrock, alongside Millie Lange and Dave Rigg.
Why it matters
These awards recognize individuals who have dedicated their careers to covering high school sports across the state. The honors highlight the role of local media in documenting community athletic achievements over several decades.
The class includes 4 honorees, marking the 12th time the Illinois High School Association has presented these awards. Jim Teckenbrock, who passed away at 76, serves as the first posthumous recipient in the program history.
The players
Illinois High School Association
This organization regulates high school athletics and activities throughout the state of Illinois.
Scott Slocum
He is a veteran broadcaster who serves as the program director and morning host at WJOL.
Jim Teckenbrock
He was a long-time sports director at WSPY and a member of the Basketball Museum of Illinois Hall of Fame.
The details
Scott Slocum, a broadcaster since 1988, currently serves as the program director and morning show host at WJOL. Jim Teckenbrock, the former sports director at WSPY, was inducted into the Basketball Museum of Illinois Hall of Fame in 2014 following a 30-year career.
Timeline
1988: Scott Slocum began his broadcasting career.
June 25, 2025: Jim Teckenbrock passed away.
December 18, 2026: Scott Slocum will be honored at Joliet West High School.
2026-27: Honorees receive their awards at high school sporting events.
Culture Shift
The recognition of Jim Teckenbrock by the Basketball Museum of Illinois Hall of Fame reflects a broader trend of formalizing the legacy of local media personalities. This shift acknowledges the essential role reporters play in preserving the history of community sports programs.
Residents can observe the recognition of Scott Slocum during the upcoming ceremony at Joliet West High School. These presentations occur throughout the 2026-27 sports season at various high school venues across Illinois.
The takeaway
Honoring these individuals underscores the deep connection between local sports broadcasting and community identity. Their long-term commitment to high school athletics serves as a model for regional media professionals across the state.
Further reading
For more on regional honors, visit the Awards section.
