Mark Ambrogi
Verified- Writer, Current Publishing
- Sports Correspondent, Associated Press
- Sports Correspondent, Daily Journal (Los Angeles and San Francisco)
Indianapolis
Current newspapers writer, Daily Journal of Johnson County and Associated Press correspondent. Ex-IndyStar sportswriter. IU grad. Carmel resident, Cincy native.
Articles by Mark Ambrogi
Free Carmel event to highlight maternal mental health resources
Carmel therapists Brittany Dewbrew-Hale and Leila Mortazavi know the importance of maternal mental health in Indiana. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows roughly 13 percent of Indiana mothers experience postpartum depression symptoms — higher than the national average. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders affect one in five pregnant and postpartum women, making them the most common complication of pregnancy.
Kids bookstore to open next month in downtown Carmel
Wendy Fitzgerald is confident she found the perfect location for Kids Ink Books, which is set to open Oct. 15 at 22 N. Range Line Rd. “We’re super excited to be right in the heart of the Carmel Arts & Design, and I’m personally surprised there’s not already an indie bookstore in that downtown area,” she said “So, we’re excited to fill that.” The store is owned by Fitzgerald, an Indianapolis resident, and her daughter, Kate Fitzgerald, a Fishers resident.
Hendricks Civic Theatre to present classic whodunit
Scott Post has wanted to direct “Clue” for a long time. “I applied to direct this in 2020,” he said. “It’s absolutely one of my favorite movies of all time. When they had a play version of it, I was like, ‘I absolutely need to do this.’” Hendricks Civic Theatre will present five performances of “Clue” Sept. 24-27 at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield The whodunit comedy play is based on the board game and the 1985 movie about finding the murderer in Boddy Manor.
Carmel Community Players to stage dark comedy
Nicole Amsler had never seen a production of “Home, I’m Darling” in person. But she had friends who have performed in it in other cities and said she believed it would be a good fit for Carmel Community Players, which will present the show Sept. 25 to Oct. 4 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. “It’s a dark comedy satire,” said Amsler, the show’s director.
Athlete of the week: Hamilton Southeastern junior forward always on the offensive
Hamilton Southeastern High School girls soccer player Sydney May has always been offensive minded. “I’ve always loved to score as long as I can remember,” she said. “When I was younger, if anyone asked me to play defense, it was, ‘No, I just want to score.’ I like making opportunities to score for my teammates, too.” In the first 10 games, the junior forward had 18 goals and seven assists for the unbeaten defending state champion Royals.
Carmel International Arts Festival’s Young at Arts expands
The Carmel International Arts Festival’s Young at Arts section keeps growing. “We heavily expanded the Young at Arts section last year and are thrilled to return this year with an even larger and more engaging area for the 2026 festival,” said Andrew Murray, a Carmel High School arts teacher and Westfield resident. “Overall, we are incredibly excited to provide a wide range of activities and experiences for kids and families at the Carmel International Art Festival.
Athlete of the week: Brownsburg High School backup goalkeeper performs in a pinch
When Brownsburg High School junior backup goalkeeper Riley Gaughan’s number was called when starter Ian Anderson was injured, he was ready. “He had a penalty kick save and a shutout against (then) No. 3 Noblesville,” Bulldogs coach Sean McGrath said of the 1-0 victory. “Riley stepped up in a big way in his first ever varsity start.” Anderson has returned to the lineup but Gaughan showed he can perform when needed. “It really boosted my confidence,” Gaughan said of his first start.
Brownsburg fifth grader set for ‘Pippin’ at Footlite Musicals
Oliver Barszcz enjoys musicals because they give him the opportunity to meet more people within the theater community. “I have made some great friends through theater,” said Barszcz, a fifth grader at Brownsburg’s Crossroads Elementary School. “I really enjoy singing and dancing, and any chance I get to do that is fun for me.” Barszcz Barszcz plays Theo in Footlite Musicals’ production of “Pippin,” which runs Sept. 18 through Oct. 4 at the Indianapolis theater.
Stars align at Heartland Film Festival premieres
The Heartland International Film Festival’s premieres have a special thread this year. “The neat thing is that a lot of the premieres have famous faces in (them), so it might be our most star-studded slate (of premieres),” Heartland Film Artistic Director Greg Sorvig said.
Hendricks Symphony opens with ‘From Russia with Love’ in Plainfield
Hendricks Symphony will feature two special guests in the 2026-27 season-opening concerts. Cellist Alexander Castellanos-Medina, last season’s Hendricks Symphony concerto competition winner, and violinist Rachel Weiss, the competition’s runner-up, will perform in “From Russia With Love” at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18 and 3 p.m. Sept. 20 at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield. Castellanos-Medina and Weiss are Plainfield High School graduates.
Carmel High School senior writes, directs one-act play
Carmel High School senior Monroe Melton can’t pinpoint how her one-act play, “Dear Lord,” came together. “I start from idea A and then go to idea Z without any idea of what idea A even was,” she said. “I just knew I wanted to do a comedy. Then I had the thought that if every time a character said, ‘Dear Lord,’ God would appear, and then my play formed from there.
Fitting end to Ram’s pro tennis career
Rajeev Ram always wanted to finish his ATP Tour career at the U.S. Open. After all, some of the 2002 Carmel High School graduate’s biggest moments were in that tournament as he and doubles partner Joe Salisbury made history by winning three consecutive titles (2021-23). Ram and Salisbury reached the U.S. Open semifinals Sept. 10 before losing in straight sets. Afterward, Ram shared news of his retirement with the crowd. “To have that moment out there was incredibly special,” he said.
Gramm brings farewell tour to Palladium in Carmel
At 76, Lou Gramm is tired of spending time in airports and not enough time with his cars. “I’ve been touring for 54 years, and I just think that takes up most of my summers and I miss my family during those times,” he said. “I also miss my biggest hobby, which is muscle cars. I live in Rochester (N.Y.), so the summertime is the only time I could drive those cars.
Athlete of the week: Carmel High School setter benefits from solid high volleyball IQ
Carmel High School senior setter London Evans was born to be a volleyball player. “I loved it from the beginning,” Evans said. “I grew up peppering with my sisters and tagging along to their practices that my mom coached.” Evans’ mother, Erin, played at Indiana University. Her oldest sister, Emerson, plays for Marian University; and her sister Lauren played two seasons at Butler University before transferring to Belmont University this season.
Wake Forest edges Purdue 38-36 in double overtime
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — Wake Forest quarterback Gio Lopez ran for a 3-yard touchdown in double overtime, and he converted the two-point conversion to lift the Demon Deacons to a 38-36 victory over Purdue on Saturday. The Boilermakers thought they stopped Wake Forest on fourth-and-15 when Carlos Hernandez was originally ruled short of the first down after a catch, but it was overturned and Lopez scored two plays later.
Athlete of the week :Brownsburg High School quarterback big part of team’s success
For Brownsburg High School quarterback Oscar Frye, there is no substitute for experience. “You get the experience and grow as an individual and grow as a leader,” he said. “Games really start to slow down. I feel like I’m able to understand things, really take everything in and process everything. Just being able to get more reps in practice and games makes it that much easier.” Bulldogs coach John Hart said the three-year starter has a strong grasp of the game. “Oscar is like a coach on the field.
Wake Forest edges Purdue 38-36 in double overtime
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — Wake Forest quarterback Gio Lopez ran for a 3-yard touchdown in double overtime, and he converted the two-point conversion to lift the Demon Deacons to a 38-36 victory over Purdue on Saturday. The Boilermakers thought they stopped Wake Forest on fourth-and-15 when Carlos Hernandez was originally ruled short of the first down after a catch, but it was overturned and Lopez scored two plays later.
Wake Forest edges Purdue 38-36 in double overtime
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — Wake Forest quarterback Gio Lopez ran for a 3-yard touchdown in double overtime, and he converted the two-point conversion to lift the Demon Deacons to a 38-36 victory over Purdue on Saturday. The Boilermakers thought they stopped Wake Forest on fourth-and-15 when Carlos Hernandez was originally ruled short of the first down after a catch, but it was overturned and Lopez scored two plays later. kAm{@A6K 4@>A=6E65 `e @7 af A2DD6D 7@C aad J2C5D 2?5 96 C2?
Wake Forest edges Purdue 38-36 in double overtime
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Wake Forest quarterback Gio Lopez ran for a 3-yard touchdown in double overtime, and he converted the two-point conversion to lift the Demon Deacons to a 38-36 victory over Purdue on Saturday. The Boilermakers thought they stopped Wake Forest on fourth-and-15 when Carlos Hernandez was originally ruled short of the first down after a catch, but it was overturned and Lopez scored two plays later.
Wake Forest edges Purdue 38-36 in double overtime
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Wake Forest edges Purdue 38-36 in double overtime
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — Wake Forest quarterback Gio Lopez ran for a 3-yard touchdown in double overtime, and he converted the two-point conversion to lift the Demon Deacons to a 38-36 victory over Purdue on Saturday. The Boilermakers thought they stopped Wake Forest on fourth-and-15 when Carlos Hernandez was originally ruled short of the first down after a catch, but it was overturned and Lopez scored two plays later.
Nurse practitioner launches HeroHouse Pediatrics telehealth service
Jesse Jones saw a need for a new approach to pediatric health care. A board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner and a father of four, Jones spent a combined five years in pediatric intensive care units at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, Lurie Children’s in Chicago, and Nationwide Children’s in Columbus, Ohio. He’s also worked in emergency rooms and urgent care facilities.
Zionsville Community High School graduate enjoys Miss Fall Festival reign
Shaylee Barnes has won several competition titles through the Miss Indiana system, but it took some time to get one she really coveted. The 2021 Zionsville High School graduate had always wanted to be Miss Fall Festival because it’s her hometown crown. She first competed for Miss Fall Festival Teen at age 12. She was unsuccessful at least three times in the teen portion and one time as Miss Fall Festival before finally winning it in 2025. “It took me 10 years, but I finally won,” Barnes said.
Carmel American Legion Auxiliary helps stock apartments for homeless veterans
The Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation of Indiana supports homeless veterans who are trying to get their lives back together. Unfortunately, its Manchester Apartments housing unit at 960 N. Pennsylvania St. in downtown Indianapolis was heavily damaged by an accidental fire in October 2024. In August 2025, the Carmel American Legion Post 155 Auxiliary helped equip 23 newly renovated apartments that had smoke and water damage.
West Clay teacher a top 10 finalist for statewide honor
West Clay Elementary School first grade teacher Megan Cronkhite understands there are not a lot of monetary bonuses for her work. “You really just come here every day and hope you are making a difference,” she said. “It’s one thing to have a parent send a kind email or the administration come in and see you do a good lesson.” But Cronkhite, 40, got a larger affirmation that her work was appreciated as she was selected Teacher of Year first at West Clay and then for all of Carmel Clay Schools.
Athlete of the week: Westfield High School golfer’s added strength boosts game
Westfield High School senior Sophie Raines had never picked up a golf club until age 13. “But I’d ride in the golf cart with my dad a little,” she said. Raines, a standout on the WHS girls golf team, has come a long way since then. “We’ve played in eight tournaments, around 90 players, and she’s been top 10 in eight of those nine,” Shamrocks coach Josh Bryant said. “She won the Twin Lakes Invitational. She’s been in the top five multiple times.
Athlete of the the week: Brownsburg senior soccer player develops into strong leader
Brownsburg High School girls soccer coach Josh George views leadership and stamina as Cora Pfeifler’s main areas of improvement. “She has become a senior leader that everyone looks up to and listens to,” he said. “She is great about reaching out to players of all ages and making all of them feel important. She has great stamina, good speed, technical ability and a high soccer IQ.
Carmel mother-daughter duo take on ‘Amazing Race’
For Riley Tejcek and her mother, Ann-Marie Tejcek, “The Amazing Race” has always been must-see TV. “I’ve been a fan of the show forever,” said Riley, a 2015 Carmel High School graduate. “I’ve literally seen every single season. It’s just a great family show, but it’s a competitive show. My mom and I always said that our dream was to go on ‘The Amazing Race,’ and we talked about that forever.” So, Riley, a U.S. Marine stationed in San Diego, applied a few years ago and didn’t hear back.
Ryan Browne leads Purdue past Indiana State 44-19
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — Ryan Browne threw for a career-high 317 yards and three touchdowns to lead Purdue to a 44-19 victory over Indiana State on Friday night in the Boilermakers’ season opener. Browne, who surpassed his previous record of 311 set last year, completed 23 of 29 passes. The junior had TD passes of 6 yards to Chauncey Magwood, 7 yards to Tra’Mar Harris and 18 yards to Asaad Waseem.
Brownsburg High School graduate to perform at Opera in the Park
Ron Dukes started out as a football player at Brownsburg High School. However, the 2013 BHS graduate soon discovered his true calling as a singer. Bass singer Ron Dukes will perform Sept. 11 at Opera in the Park. (Photo courtesy of Indy Opera) “You have to take a fine arts credit to graduate, so I took choir,” he said. “I ended up really liking singing. Then I got a scholarship to take three voice lessons the following winter. That was my first real exposure to classical music.
Ryan Browne leads Purdue past Indiana State 44-19 in Boilermakers' season opener
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — Ryan Browne threw for a career-high 317 yards and three touchdowns to lead Purdue to a 44-19 victory over Indiana State on Friday night in the Boilermakers' season opener. Browne, who surpassed his previous record of 311 set last year, completed 23 of 29 passes. The junior had TD passes of 6 yards to Chauncey Magwood, 7 yards to Tra’Mar Harris and 18 yards to Asaad Waseem.
Ryan Browne leads Purdue past Indiana State 44-19 in Boilermakers' season opener
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — Ryan Browne threw for a career-high 317 yards and three touchdowns to lead Purdue to a 44-19 victory over Indiana State on Friday night in the Boilermakers' season opener. Browne, who surpassed his previous record of 311 set last year, completed 23 of 29 passes. The junior had TD passes of 6 yards to Chauncey Magwood, 7 yards to Tra'Mar Harris and 18 yards to Asaad Waseem.
Ryan Browne leads Purdue past Indiana State 44-19 in Boilermakers' season opener
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — Ryan Browne threw for a career-high 317 yards and three touchdowns to lead Purdue to a 44-19 victory over Indiana State on Friday night in the Boilermakers' season opener. Browne, who surpassed his previous record of 311 set last year, completed 23 of 29 passes. The junior had TD passes of 6 yards to Chauncey Magwood, 7 yards to Tra’Mar Harris and 18 yards to Asaad Waseem.
Ryan Browne leads Purdue past Indiana State 44-19 in Boilermakers' season opener
Ryan Browne threw for a career-high 317 yards and three touchdowns to lead Purdue to a 44-19 victory over Indiana State ByMARK AMBROGI Associated Press September 4, 2026, 10:36 PM WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Ryan Browne threw for a career-high 317 yards and three touchdowns to lead Purdue to a 44-19 victory over Indiana State on Friday night in the Boilermakers' season opener. Browne, who surpassed his previous record of 311 set last year, completed 23 of 29 passes.
Ryan Browne leads Purdue past Indiana State 44-19 in Boilermakers' season opener
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — Ryan Browne threw for a career-high 317 yards and three touchdowns to lead Purdue to a 44-19 victory over Indiana State on Friday night in the Boilermakers' season opener. Browne, who surpassed his previous record of 311 set last year, completed 23 of 29 passes. The junior had TD passes of 6 yards to Chauncey Magwood, 7 yards to Tra’Mar Harris and 18 yards to Asaad Waseem.
Ryan Browne leads Purdue past Indiana State 44-19 in Boilermakers' season opener
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — Ryan Browne threw for a career-high 317 yards and three touchdowns to lead Purdue to a 44-19 victory over Indiana State on Friday night in the Boilermakers' season opener. Browne, who surpassed his previous record of 311 set last year, completed 23 of 29 passes. The junior had TD passes of 6 yards to Chauncey Magwood, 7 yards to Tra’Mar Harris and 18 yards to Asaad Waseem. The Boilermakers (1-0) led 16-6 at halftime before scoring 28 unanswered points.
Ryan Browne leads Purdue past Indiana State 44-19 in Boilermakers' season opener
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — Ryan Browne threw for a career-high 317 yards and three touchdowns to lead Purdue to a 44-19 victory over Indiana State on Friday night in the Boilermakers' season opener. Browne, who surpassed his previous record of 311 set last year, completed 23 of 29 passes. The junior had TD passes of 6 yards to Chauncey Magwood, 7 yards to Tra’Mar Harris and 18 yards to Asaad Waseem.
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