Patrick “Pat” Aikman, games director of the Indiana-Kentucky All-Star Basketball series for 20 years, a former executive board member of the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association and longtime public relations director at DePauw University, passed away at his Greencastle residence on March 9, 2022. He was 86 years old.
Born June 2, 1935, Aikman grew up in Dana, Ind., and graduated class valedictorian of Dana High School in 1953. He enrolled at DePauw University where his interests in journalism and sports information flourished and became lifelong pursuits. He was the sports editor and later the editor-in-chief of the school newspaper. He loved attending sporting events there and rarely missed a basketball or football game. His college years were the beginning of a life-long devotion to and advocacy for his alma mater.
After graduating in 1957, Aikman married DePauw classmate, Judy Aikman, and moved to Scotland, Ind., where he was a high school teacher and basketball coach. In 1960, Aikman returned to DePauw, where he became Director of the News Bureau and Sports Information and later, Director of Public Relations. A tireless promoter of DePauw, Aikman and three fellow alums produced the "Ballad of the Monon Bell," celebrating the century-old football rivalry between Wabash and DePauw. Whether speaking to local and national media about the benefits of a DePauw education or swapping DePauw stories with a fellow alum, his commitment to the university was evident throughout his life.
After DePauw, Aikman joined The Indianapolis Star as games director of the Indiana-Kentucky All-Star Basketball series. From 1988 to 2007, Aikman crisscrossed the state innumerable times, watching hundreds of high school basketball games, seeking to identify the state's best players. While celebrating their accomplishments and winning reputation on the court, he knew and supported these athletes as individuals and remained connected to them for decades after the games. Aikman was proud these games also benefited a broader audience. Since their inception in 1939, the games have raised several million dollars for nonprofit organizations throughout Central Indiana.
Following The Star, Aikman worked from 2008 to 2010 for the IBCA, which honored him by creating a scholarship in his name, the Pat Aikman Character and Leadership Award. The award is given to students who excel on and off the basketball court and who plan to pursue careers in journalism, sports management, athletic training or physical therapy. Since 2011, 32 students have been awarded this scholarship.
Aikman was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008 and awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash in 2002 by Indiana Governor Frank O'Bannon for his service to the state of Indiana.
In 2008, Aikman suffered a debilitating stroke, which changed the course of his life, but did little to diminish his passion, energy and enthusiasm for life. He had a kind and gentle soul, a quick wit and terrific sense of humor. He loved to travel, garden, dance, and meet and talk with people wherever he went. He was a voracious reader, especially of the daily newspaper. He was a photographer, a poet and a gifted wordsmith. He used his words and writing to promote worthy causes, to connect people and institutions and to celebrate and honor the people that he loved.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the IBCA/Pat Aikman Scholarship (mail to: Indiana Basketball Coaches Association, P.O. Box 638, Plainfield, IN 46168) or the Ernie Pyle World War II Museum in Dana (mail to: Ernie Pyle Development Fund Inc., P.O. Box 345, Dana, Indiana 47847).
A service and reception to remember Aikman will be held on the DePauw University campus in May 2022.
PHOTO: Pat Aikman stands in front of an Indiana All-Star promotional poster in 2006.
INDIANA ALL-STAR GAME DIRECTORS
1939-present
- 1939-52: No official game director
- 1953-62: Bill Shover
- 1963-68: Fred Corts
- 1969-87: Don Bates
- 1988-2007: Pat Aikman
- 2008: Pete Smith
- 2009-18: Charlie Hall
- 2019-present: Mike Broughton
IBCA/PAT AIKMAN CHARACTER AND LEADERSHIP AWARD
Winners (2011-present)
Criteria for the Aikman Character and Leadership Award include achievements and contributions in basketball, scholastic achievement, extra-curricular activities, and service to school and community, as presented through the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association. Those considered for the Aikman Award are students who plan to enter the fields of journalism, sports management, athletic training or physical therapy. There have been 32 winners from 2011 through 2021. Depending on the year, each winner was eligible to receive an award of $500 or a $750 that each could use for college tuition or fees.
- Year: Winner(s), School (Nominating Coach)
- 2011: Kyle Bradburn, Huntington North (Joe Bradburn); Rachelle Kessie, Whitko (Rob Bell)
- 2012: Michael Bower, Bloomington South (J.R. Holmes); Taylor Degenkolb, Tipton (Nick Comer); Josh Gill, Goshen (Brian Bechtel); Ashley Klass, Evansville North (Annette Combs)
- 2013: Rachel Jennings, Logansport (Jerry Hoover); Max McAuley, Noblesville (David McCollough); Courtney Perkins, Mitchell (Matt Sowders); Noah Reed, Huntington North (Rob Irwin)
- 2014: Tanner Davis, Wapahani (Matt Luce); Caleb Gabler, Mishawaka (Ryan Watson); Daisy Heath, Hebron (John Steinhilber); Skyler Overleese (Jeremy Powers)
- 2015: Seth Payton, Northview (Clint Weddle); Mark Sronce, Lanesville (Mikel Miller)
- 2016: Eli Combs, Bloomfield (Matt Britton); Jalon Graber, Barr-Reeve (Bryan Hughes); Kate Ulmer, LaPorte (Rob Walker); Allison White, Greencastle (Bradley Key)
- 2017: Olivia Collins, Lewis Cass (Mike Collins); Jacob Thompson, Eastside (Ryan Abbott)
- 2018: Jason Gandhi, Guerin Catholic (Pete Smith); Will Line, Goshen (Michael Wohlford); Rileigh Johnson, Huntington North (Heidi Lawson); Carly Miller, Delta (Andy Lewman)
- 2019: Ashton Minton, Paoli (Dusty Cole); Casey Schroeder, Wawasee (Matt Carpenter)
- 2020: Colton Monday, Shenandoah (David McCollough)
- 2021: Reece Denning, Lawrenceburg (Brad Cutter); Tyson Johnson, Lewis Cass (Kyle Johnson); Kaden McCollough, Shenandoah (David McCollough)
- 2022: to be announced
