STATEHOUSE (March 5, 2026) – Monroe County lawmakers recently applauded Gov. Mike Braun's announcement honoring Indiana University Football Coach Curt Cignetti with the Sachem Award and members of the undefeated 2025-26 national champion football team with the Sagamore of the Wabash.
"Coach Cignetti and the Hoosiers earned every bit of this recognition," said State Rep. Dave Hall (R-Norman). "To go undefeated and bring a national championship to Bloomington is an incredible accomplishment. Not long ago, Indiana University was struggling to compete in college football, and now the program has reached the very top of the sport. It's a testament to Coach Cignetti's hard work and dedication and the commitment of the entire team."
State Rep. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) said that IU's 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship win made them the first school in modern sports history to hold undefeated championships in both football this season and men's basketball in the 1975-76 season under Coach Bob Knight. Mayfield authored House Concurrent Resolution 4 during the 2026 legislative session, which urges the Indiana Department of Transportation to rename a portion of State Road 45 near Assembly Hall after the late legendary Coach Knight.
"Hoosier fans will remember this team for generations," Mayfield said. "Going undefeated and winning the national championship is rare in any sport, and this team joins the great traditions of Indiana University athletics. Like the legendary undefeated basketball team under Coach Knight, the 2025-26 Hoosier football team showed discipline, determination and teamwork at the highest level."
"Coach Cignetti and the 2025-26 Hoosier team made the entire state proud," said State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute), who played on the historic 1979 Indiana State University basketball team in the national championship. "As someone who had the privilege of playing in a national championship game, I know how special moments like this are for a program and its fans. What Coach Cignetti and these players accomplished this season will be remembered for years to come, and they are very deserving of this honor."
The Sachem is awarded by the governor once a year and is reserved for individuals who have profoundly shaped Indiana through character, leadership and service.
Dating back to the 1940s, the Sagamore of the Wabash award was created by former Gov. Ralph Gates. It is the highest honor the governor can bestow and is presented to distinguished Hoosiers who have made significant contributions to the state of Indiana.
To learn more and to see photos from the presentation, click here.
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State Rep. Dave Hall (R-Norman) represents House District 62,
which includes all of Brown County, and portions of Monroe and Jackson counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) represents House District 46,
which includes all of Owen County, and portions of Clay, Monroe and Vigo counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) represents House District 60,
which includes portions of Johnson, Morgan and Monroe counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
