<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-99.1
<SEQUENCE>3
<FILENAME>l00224aexv99w1.txt
<DESCRIPTION>EX-99.1
<TEXT>
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                                                                  Exhibit 99.1


             ESCALADE, INCORPORATED ANNOUNCES FIRST QUARTER EARNINGS

                        FIRST QUARTER ENDED MARCH 22,2003


         Evansville, IN (April 11,2003) - - Escalade, Incorporated (NASDAQ:
ESCA)reports the companys seasonally slow first quarter got the year off to a
satisfactory start. Net sales increased 66% to $29,103,000 due primarily to the
inclusion of sales of Schleicher International AG, the German manufacturer and
distributor of paper shredders that we now have a 65% ownership interest in. Net
income inched up to a breakeven reflecting higher operating income partially
offset by higher interest costs.

         Sporting goods sales increased 5% to $11,179,000 as sales from prior
year acquisitions more than offset slower sales of products with high 2002 year
end retail inventories. The second quarter may continue to be a bit slow as our
customers continue to work off their inventories, then, our last half should
show the improvements of our increased product placement. We are continuing to
focus on product development for our new billiard brand names and on sporting
goods acquisitions that provide first year accretive earnings. Escalade Sports
was awarded a fourth consecutive Sears "Partners in Progress" award for its 2002
performance.

         Sales of office and graphic arts products increased 160% to $17,924,000
due entirely to the inclusion of Schleicher sales. Schleicher's net income
improved somewhat to a breakeven level while Martin Yale's net income declined
due primarily to lower sales, a $210,000 loss on the slower than expected
startup sales of the new photo frame and gift line, and increased interest
expense for the Schleicher acquisition. The sluggishness in the office products
segment continues. Martin Yale and Schleicher will continue their cooperative
product development to counter this downward trend.

         During the first quarter, we purchased 5,000 shares of our common
stock. We continue to have authorization from our Board of Directors to purchase
up to three million dollars of our stock in the open market or through privately
negotiated transactions, including shares already purchased, as a means of
enhancing shareholder value.




<PAGE>



(Escalade, Incorporated continued)

               (Unaudited, In Thousands, Except Per Share Figures)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        THREE MONTHS ENDED             TWELVE MONTHS ENDED
                                     Mar. 22,       Mar. 23,          Mar. 22,      Mar. 23,
                                       2003           2002              2003          2002
                                     --------       --------          --------      --------
<S>                                  <C>            <C>               <C>           <C>
Net Sales                            $29,103        $17,505           $167,053      $147,862
Cost of Goods Sold                    18,659         12,334            117,489       106,546
Selling & Admin. Expense               9,932          4,982             31,279        22,771
Operating Income                         512            189             18,285        18,545
Interest Expense                        (448)          (121)            (1,277)       (1,163)
Goodwill                                  --             --                 --        (635)
Other Income (Expense)                   (51)          (175)                54          (438)
Income (Loss)Before Taxes
   and Minority Interest                  13           (107)            17,062        16,309
Provision (Benefit)for Taxes               4            (39)             5,847         5,872
Minority Interest Holders Share            2             --                  2            --
Net Income (Loss)                          7            (68)            11,213        10,437
Basic Earnings Per Share                 .00           (.01)              1.72          1.62
Diluted Earnings Per Share           $   .00        $  (.01)          $   1.68      $   1.57
Average Shares Outstanding             6,511          6,429              6,505         6,431
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              March 22, 2003        March 23, 2002
                              --------------        --------------
<S>                              <C>                   <C>
Current Assets                   $ 64,028              $ 34,988
Fixed Assets                       17,987                10,081
Other Assets                       12,468                12,416
Goodwill                           13,351                13,361
                                 --------              --------
Total                            $107,834              $ 70,846

Current Liabilities              $ 39,254              $ 17,277
Other Liabilities                  22,274                18,945
Shareholders' Equity               46,306                34,624
                                 --------              --------
Total                            $107,834              $ 70,846
</TABLE>


                           Forward Looking Statements

This report contains forward-looking statements relating to present or future
trends or factors that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These risks
include, but are not limited to, the impact of competitive products and pricing,
product demand and market acceptance, Escalade's ability to successfully
integrate the operations of acquired assets and businesses, new product
development, the continuation and development of key customer and supplier
relationships, Escalade's ability to control costs, general economic conditions,
fluctuations in operating results, changes in the securities markets and other
risks detailed from time to time in Escalade's filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. Escalade's future financial performance could differ
materially from the expectations of management contained herein. Escalade
undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements after the
date of this report.

Contact:   John R. Wilson, VP & CFO            812-467-1265
           C. W. (Bill) Reed, President & CEO  260-563-0621




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