News

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (5-10-21)

"Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana"

A local scout for the Indianapolis Colts, Anthony Coughlan, was quoted in the Indianapolis Star this past week, about their sixth-round pick, Sam Ehlinger (Univ of Texas).

Coughlan said, "He was a no-brainer horseshoe fit.  His competitive spirit, work ethic, mental toughness.  He's just about everything we (Colts) are about.  How he conducts himself in warmups, how he leads the team, how he speaks to them, his body language.  I think the biggest thing with him is his poise and instincts under pressure."

Ehlinger was a sixth round pick who should make the roster because of these special qualities.  When you are trying out for a high school team, or dreaming of playing at the collegiate level, remember these qualities that are recognized by coaches and scouts. 

You can stand out and be noticed not just by your physical ability, but by the little things you do that separate you from those you are competing against!

All content property of Billy Shepherd Sports

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (5-3-21)
    

“Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana”
 

When is the right time to acknowledge the people who have had a positive influence on you and your high school sports experience? Who might that be?  

A grade school teacher? Your parents? A junior high coach? A youth coach? One of your high school teachers or counselors?

It’s never too early or too late to say ‘thank you’. Reach out to those who have helped you and let them know how your relationship with them encouraged you and gave you the confidence to pursue your academic and athletic dreams.

Your success as a student-athlete is the result of more than just your hard work. Likely others around you have sacrificed time and money for you to be where you are.

So the right time is now. Don’t hesitate to approach those who have been a positive influence and thank them for what they have done for you!

All content property of Billy Shepherd Sports

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (4-26-21)

“Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana”

Former Kentucky basketball player Terrence Clarke died following a car crash this past week.  He was only 19 years old with the dream of making it in the NBA.   He ran a red light at a high rate of speed and clipped a car in the intersection leading to his tragic death. 

In the classroom and on field of play, you often get second chances.  But not in an automobile.  As a driver, you must concentrate 100% on the task at hand.  As a passenger you also have the responsibility of speaking out if the driver is not doing his/her job. 

Don’t make a choice or decision you can’t take back!

All content property of Billy Shepherd Sports

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (4-19-21)

“Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana”

Put your phone away.  Have you ever received that advice?  Ever tried putting your phone away for a period of time?

Former Dallas Cowboy QB Tony Romo gave his friend Will Zalatoris that advice before he competed last weekend in his first Master’s golf tournament.  Romo’s advice:  “I said turn off your phone on Friday night, and you can apologize to the people you didn’t respond to later…”.

It worked for the young golfer who finished second on the biggest stage of his young PGA career.

The calls, texts and social media that go along with phones can be overwhelming, time consuming and distracting to your goals.  How do you get focused when you need to prepare for a test or a big game/match? 

Have you ever turned off your phone for a period of time?  Wonder what might happen?  You might be like Zalatoris and see great results! 

All content property of Billy Shepherd Sports

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (4-12-21)

“Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana”

Most parents have good intentions when they offer advice and instruction to their children during any athletic season.  It is only natural for your parents to put you first and offer their thoughts.

So as an athlete, how do you make the separation from your parent’s input to your coach’s expectation of you?

In team sports, the coaches will always put the team first, so it is up to you as a team member to put what your coach wants and deems important ahead of anything else. 

Don’t downplay the advice from your parents, especially when it comes to attitude and effort, but take your coaches instruction to heart and focus on winning as a team!

All content property of Billy Shepherd Sports