Terre Haute’s Rick Semmler to be honored Friday
One of the Wabash Valley’s most recognizable television personalities, Rick Semmler of WTHI‐TV in Terre Haute will be presented the 2016‐17 Distinguished Media Service Award for District 3.
Semmler’s contributions to education‐based athletics will be recognized on Friday night at Terre Haute North High School where the Patriots will host rival Terre Haute South in boys basketball. IHSAA Commissioner Bobby Cox and Sports Information Director Jason Wille will make the presentation.
Rick has been the Sports Director at WTHI‐TV since August 2009. He started his career in Hazard, Kentucky in 2002 at WYMT‐TV before moving to Terre Haute to join WTWO‐TV in July of 2003. In 14 years in the business Rick has won three Emmy’s and a Spectrum Award. In 2015 he was named the Indiana Football Coaches Association Rex Kirts Media Award winner for the state. He feels blessed to have seen some incredible games and great athletes while covering sports in the Wabash Valley.
Semmler is a 2002 graduate of Ball State University and is a 1998 graduate of Brownsburg High School where he played basketball and tennis for the Bulldogs. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Robin. They reside in Terre Haute with their three children Savanah 9, Austin 6 and Kennedy 3.
This is the 32nd year the IHSAA has recognized outstanding members of the Indiana news media from each of its three legislative districts for excellence in the coverage of high school sports. District 3 covers 42 counties across southern Indiana. Semmler is the first of three individuals to be honored this school year.
