By now everyone has settled into another school year and begun preseason conditioning in preparation for another basketball season. This is a challenging time for schools across the state as many have cut budgets to meet economic challenges. Athletes in many communities have become targets of some of these budgets cuts. It will take patience, understanding and sacrifice for all those faced with these difficult times. As coaches, regardless of the adjustments you may be forced to make, we must never forget about the positive impact we have on the lives of the young people we all serve. There will be better days ahead.
The IBCA needs your support of our professional organization. By now all head coaches should have received a membership mailing. It is the Head Coach's professional responsibility to join the IBCA and make sure that all the high school assistants, junior high and elementary coaches become members as well.
In January all member Head Coaches will receive a mailing that includes the following nomination and election information:
- Underclass and Senior All-State Teams
- Top 100 Underclass Boys' and Girls' Showcases
- Junior All-Stars
- Academic All State
- Junior Mannies and Marion Crawley Scholarships
- Pat Aikman Scholarship
- IBCA officer and District Representative ballots
Last spring, the IBCA Board of Director decided to establish a scholarship in honor of former longtime Indiana All Star Director Pat Aikman. A $750 "Pat Aikman Scholarship" will be presented to one male and one female student-athlete who plans to enter the field of journalism, sports management, athletic training or physical therapy.
Check your mail carefully, complete the nomination forms, follow the instructions, meet the deadlines and return your nomination forms and ballots to the appropriate committees. Don’t hurt a deserving candidate’s chances for selection because you forgot to join the IBCA or the nomination letter got buried on your desk and you didn’t get the information to the committee on time. Your efforts in fulfilling these professional responsibilities are appreciated.
The success of any organization is due to the support of its members. Our IBCA Board is committed to doing whatever it takes to make a good organization better. As coaches, this is your organization and profession. What you think and your input is important. If you ever have questions, ideas, concerns or suggestions, don’t hesitate to contact an IBCA Board Member, or your District Representative.
On behalf of the IBCA, thank you for your support of our professional organization. Good luck this season, and may the best teams win!
Yours for better basketball,
-- Steve Witty, Executive Director, IBCA
