Legendary sportscaster Vince Turner has been honored with the Heart of a Hoosier Award by State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) as he enters the Indiana Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association Hall of Fame. The award, established by King in 2022, spotlights individuals and local businesses that embody the spirit of kindness, courage, and transformative impact within House District 49. Turner, with a career spanning over two decades, has become a local sports icon for his extensive coverage of Elkhart County athletics.
Turner's tenure at the Elkhart Truth began in 1977 and lasted until 1985, before he made the switch to broadcasting as WTRC radio's sports director, where he remained until 1998. During his broadcast career, he actively called high school football and basketball games along with Notre Dame basketball. Despite a long career, Turner continues to be an active voice in the community, not only through media but also through his advocacy work with the Boys and Girls Club of Elkhart County, as highlighted in a statement obtained by Indiana House Republicans.
Vince Turner's work ethic and dedication did not go unnoticed; over the years, he amassed 22 AP and UPI broadcasting awards. His accolades include "Best Sportswriting" from the Associated Press in 1981, and recognition from the Indiana High School Baseball and Wrestling Coaches associations. Significantly, he received the IHSAA Media Award in 1997. Apart from his contribution to local media, Turner also lent his expertise to national outlets such as AP Radio Sports, NBC Radio Sports, and New York's WFAN.
King praised Turner as someone who "passionately served our area for over 20 years covering Elkhart County sports through writing and broadcasting." She acknowledged not only his professional achievements but also his personal commitment to the community, stating, "Vince certainly has a heart of a Hoosier, and I congratulate him on this outstanding achievement of making it into the hall of fame." This sentiment echoes the respect and admiration shared by many in the community for Turner's longstanding contribution to local sports coverage, according to the Indiana House Republicans.
In addition to his storied career in sports media, Turner is currently serving as a communications specialist for the Goshen Chamber of Commerce and hosts the Sounds of Goshen podcast. His continuous involvement reflects a substantial and lasting impact on the regional sports scene and further establishes his standing as a paragon of community service and local sports history.
