One of the most familiar faces on Indianapolis sports television for more than three decades has belonged to Don Hein, the longtime sports director at WTHR. In an era of TV sports "fluff," the Iowa native distinguished himself with a "tell-it-like-it-is" style that was based on a strong sports background.
Hein was a high school standout in football, basketball and baseball, and was a first-team all-state selection after leading his high school team to the title game of the Iowa state tournament. He then played basketball at Northern Iowa University for coach Norm Stewart.
Don has been named Sportscaster of the Year three times by the UPI and AP and was honored as the state's best play-by-play announcer for nine consecutive seasons. In addition, Hein has received a Distinguised Award from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, and the Edward R. Murrow Award for exemplary reporting. He has also bee honored by the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Associatin, the Indiana Wrestling Coaches Association and the IHSAA.
A native of Waverly, Iowa, Hein worked for three years at WMBD-TV in Peoria, Ill. before coming to WTHR.