News

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (9-13-21)

"Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana"

This past weekend, our nation remembered the great loss our country suffered at the hands of a terrorist attack.  It occurred 20 years ago, before high school students today were born.

Our nation stopped for days--no airline flights, no professional sports, no college or high school games.  It was a somber and fearful time.

But the result of our shared loss as a country afterward was a time of unity and hope for the future.  There was no division based on our differences, but instead a common goal to work together.  Our country was stronger in a new way as a result.

As you face challenges as a student-athlete in the classroom or the playing field, it is important to find unity with those around you.  To achieve our greatest goals, whether in life or in sports, we must put aside our differences and realize we are stronger facing those challenges together.

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (9-6-21)

"Promoting Educated Based Athletics in Indiana"

You may have recently watched the new NFL Hall of Fame Inductees acceptance speeches in Canton, OH.  While Peyton Manning may have been the biggest draw, I was inspired by the words of Calvin Johnson.  

Johnson was a great wide receiver for the Detroit Lions and said, during his acceptance speech, that his best advice came from his former wide receivers coach.  

"Stay ready so you don't have to get ready."

If you stop and think about this simple quote, it can be useful to you in all walks of life, but especially as a student-athlete.  

The way to stay ready is to be prepared for anything a teacher or coach may throw your way.  Hopefully you are up for that challenge as another school year gets underway!

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (5-31-21)

"Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana"

Every year I encourage student-athletes to work their hardest in the summer and off-season.  That is when you can truly work on fundamentals and skills that will make you better for the next school year.  

The following quote sums up what the summer should be about if you are striving for growth and improvement (Dale Carnegie).  "Inaction breeds doubt and fear.  Action breeds confidence and courage.  If you want to conquer fear, do not sit at home and think about it.  Go out and get busy."

Now is the time to make the commitment and plan of action.  Why not chart your progress?  Don't just talk about getting better, put in the time and effort to make this summer special. 

Athletes are made in the summer!

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (5-24-21)

"Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana"

Professional golfer Max Homa describes himself as a happy person.  During the 2016/17 season he only made two cuts on the PGA tour.  That is a tough season, but he kept practicing and focusing on the things that could improve his game.  

He says there is not one single positive that comes from getting mad after a bad golf shot.  He says you must learn from your mistakes and avoid making the same mistake over and over.

Homa says what he does is focus on all the things he has in his life that he is thankful for, so that when he hits a bad shot, he thinks about all that is right in his life-not what is wrong.

Next time you are having a bad day or sub-par game, be thankful for all the things that you have to be thankful for in your life-your health, family, friends-just the fact that you can participate in high school sports!

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week ( 5-17-21)

"Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana"

As the school year draws to a close, it is no time to let up on your academics and final exams.  Treat these last few weeks as the most important weeks of the school year.

Academic excellence will give you more opportunities to pick the college of your choice, instead of having to settle for a school less desirable.  Final grades really count, as it affects your class rank and grade point average regardless of your year in school. 

These last few weeks of the school year are like the last period of a game, the final inning of a baseball/softball game or the finish line in a track or cross country meet.  You might have to make some sacrifices to win, but it will be worth the effort. 

Keep your focus on academics like the game is on the line.  In reality, it is!

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