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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (11-16-2020)

“Promoting education based athletics in Indiana”

Xander Schauffele is one of the top professional golfers on the PGA tour.  His father has been his only swing coach throughout his golfing career. 

Schauffele’s father stated during last week’s Masters tournament that the fire inside of him (Xander) is the difference maker.  He said, “If a kid has it there is nothing you can do as a dad to stop it, and if he doesn’t have it, there’s nothing you can do as a dad to make it happen.”

You cannot be driven by your parents, family or coaches to find that internal fire. You have to build and fuel the fire for yourself.  You will then separate yourself from your competitors in your work ethic, attitude and discipline. It will become a difference maker for you both on and off the field/court!

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (11-9-2020)

“Promoting education based athletics in Indiana”

This past weekend, the Indiana Hoosiers football team beat the Michigan Wolverines for the first time since 1987, breaking a 0-24 streak.

The announcers calling the game talked about the cohesiveness of the IU team but couldn’t help but elaborate on their quarterback, Michael Penix.

They stated over and over again how Penix elevates the entire team with his leadership and the example he sets for all his teammates, both in practice and in games.

Elevates the entire team.  Think about that statement and how it might pertain to you and the team you play on.  How can you elevate your team?

Do you show leadership on and off the field/court?  Do you encourage others?  Are you unselfish for the betterment of your team?  Is your attitude positive and contagious?  Every day you can make a difference if you put your mind to it!

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (11-2-2020)

“Promoting education based athletics in Indiana”

How many times have you heard the expression, “Move on to the next play”?  Good or bad, the next play becomes the most important play of any game. 

Can you look at each play as a clean slate?  How do you move on regardless of what just happened?  Good or bad, the great athletes have short term memory and are ready mentally and physically to refocus after great plays or disappointing mistakes. 

The last few plays of a game seem more important to those watching, but coaches realize that plays and performance at the start of the game are just as critical as those that end a game.

As you practice for a game or event, prepare yourself and your mind for the fact that every play is equal in importance.  Your mental toughness will show when you can respond quickly after emotional plays.   Your readiness on every play will help you out wit your opponent!

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (10-26-2020)

"Promoting education based athletics in Indiana"

Have you ever taken a step back and thought about how your coaches have differed over the years since you first started playing sports?

When you were playing youth sports you were likely coached by your parents or one of your teammate’s parents.

In junior high you had the opportunity to try out for a team and for the first time you were coached by someone who was hired by the school.

In high school you are being coached by someone who made a career decision to be in education, and the sport they are coaching is their love and passion. Winning becomes more important and there is more attention paid to off-season workouts and practices.

As a high school student-athlete it’s your responsibility to adjust to the coach and the system he/she runs. While it is still supposed to be fun, you have a greater responsibility to listen, learn, and perform.

By now you know the personality of your coach and his/her staff. It’s in your best interest to do the things that please and impress those people to give you your best chance of getting playing time or starting positions!

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (10-19-2020)

"Promoting education based athletics in Indiana"

How do you feel when you receive encouragement or a compliment from a teacher, coach, or administrator? Does it help build your self-esteem or make your day?

Have you ever thought about how a few kind words can mean the world to someone who is feeling down or under appreciated? When is the last time you complimented one of your classmates or teammates?

During these times of Covid and social distancing, it is harder to build the same camaraderie and spirit. You can do your part by supporting others with a reassuring comment or compliment.

Classrooms are spread out and locker rooms don't have the same feeling of togetherness that they have had in the past. But making things fun and enjoyable can still be accomplished.

It's been said that action speaks louder than words, but during the times we are in now those positive words towards others will help make someone's day better than they ever expected!

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