Indiana Sportswriter Bob Hammel Dies at 88

Bob Hammel, the legendary sports editor and columnist for the Bloomington Herald-Times, died at age 88 after a career spanning over five decades. He covered more than 1,000 Indiana University football and basketball games and reported on landmark events such as IU's perfect basketball season in 1976, the 1968 Rose Bowl, and Mark Spitz's record Olympic achievements. Hammel also covered five Olympic Games and 23 NCAA Basketball Final Fours. He collaborated with Bob Knight on the bestselling memoir 'Knight: My Story.' Hammel's distinguished career earned him numerous awards, including induction into several halls of fame and the Curt Gowdy Media Award. He was known for his mentorship, deep connection to the Bloomington and Indiana University communities, and enduring legacy as a chronicler of local sports history.