Compassionate Coach Makes Difference in Life of High School Athlete

By Wilbur Braithwaite

In the winter of 1946-47, Weber Junior College (now Weber State University) of Ogden, Utah, played Snow Junior College at Ephraim, Utah, in an Intermountain Conference basketball game.  Since Ephraim is only seven miles from my hometown of Manti, and being a member of the Weber Wildcats, this contest was a homecoming for me.  My parents, who had never seen me play in college, along with other relatives, former high school teammates and friends, were in the stands.  Being a non-starter at the time, it was a surprise to hear the announcer intone, “and starting tonight at forward is 6′ 3” Wilbur Braithwaite of Manti.”

Although more than 51 years have gone by since then, a poignant memory of that unexpected announcement remains vivid.  Despite my coach’s calculated gamble of juggling the usual starting lineup and giving a reserve considerable playing time, the Wildcats, nonetheless, topped the Badgers, 61-45.

The Weber mentor, Reed K. Swenson, was a compassionate man who found little ways to bring the human touch to coaching and the teaching process.  Like many of his former players, I found him to be not only a coach for two seasons, but a life-long friend and confidant.

In my retirement year of coaching basketball (1988), Manti High School participated in the Utah State 2-A High School Basketball Tournament held at Weber State University. Still living in Ogden, Coach Swenson remained mentally active 90-year-old optimist. Visiting at his home, I discovered that he not only knew all about the Manti Templars, but also shared coaching tips, gave encouragement, reminisced about the “good old days” and extolled the virtues of sending cassette-recorded “oral letters to children and grandchildren. Throughout the visit, he had a twinkle in his eye. He said he was busy writing a book to be titled, How To Raise Cain At One Hundred If You Are Able.  READ MORE

Fall 2013 LTI Webinar Classes

 

We are pleased to announce that the NIAAA will be webinar teaching LTC 501, 502, 504, 506, 508, 630, 701 and 705 via the internet in the fall of 2013.   The athletic administrator will be able to view the course from the convenience of their home or office.  Administrators will also have the opportunity to pose live questions and the class can be divided into discussion groups with the capability of receiving reports from each groups.  What better way to take a class?  There will be no travel time and no travel costs (gas, meals or lodging).
Our suggestion would be to use the computer that is connected to the greatest bandwidth (DSL, Cable or T-1 line) which could be at your school if you do not have high speed internet connection at home.  However you can get the broadcast with a 56K / dial up modem.  The only issue here is that this type of internet connection will be slower since pictures/PowerPoint take longer to download. You will also need sound card, speakers and microphone on your computer in order to hear the instructor and participate in conversation and ask questions.

Click HERE for more details

O.I.A.A.A. Executive Committee May 2013 Meeting Minutes

Minutes – Executive Committee Meeting

May 19, 2013

State Conference Planning Committee:

  • The Planning Committee led by Tim Erickson (President Elect) and members of the Northeast District State Conference Committee (Kent Smith and Greg Cooper) met from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. to discuss the details of the 2013 OIAAA Athletic Directors Conference.
  • The Conference will be held on November 17-19, 2013 at the Easton Hilton.

Called to Order:

  • The meeting was called to order by Matt Shomper (President) at 10:00 a.m.

 

 

 

Attendance:

Executive Director:                                 __x__      Bruce Brown (Northeast)        District Rep. Central(VM):                    ___x__   Steve Conley

Past President / Program Chair(VM):                  __x__      Tom Farbizo (East)                                     District Rep. East(VM):                           ___x__   Don Spinell

President(VM):                                          __x__      Matt Shomper (Southwest)     District Rep. Northeast(VM):               _____      Paul Moses

President Elect(VM):                               __x__      Tim Erickson (Northwest)        District Rep. Northwest(VM):               __x___   Chris Fahim

__x____  Susie Felver

Secretary (VM):                                        __x__      Paul Powers (Northeast)        District Rep. Southwest(VM):               __x___   Tim Cook

Treasurer:                                                  __x___   Randy King (Central)              District Rep. Southeast(VM):               ___x__   Bo Arnett

LTI / Newsletter Chair:                            __x___   Glen Gillespie (Northwest)

Awards Chair:                                           __x__      Bill Schumacher (Northeast)

Exhibit Chair:                                             __x__      Phil Poggi (Southwest)

Website Chair:                                          ___x_      Erich Frombach (Northeast)                                                                                           

 OHSAA:                   ____        Dr. Ross                  OHSAA:                    __x__      Jerry Snodgrass     OASSA:                     ____        Jim Harbuck

Page 2                                                                             Minutes, Executive Committee Mtg.

1. Action Items

A. Additions to the Agenda:

  • none

B. Approval of Agenda:

  • A motion was made by Tim Cook (Southwest ) and seconded by Bo Arnett (Southeast) to approve the agenda. The motion passed 9-0.

C. Approval of Minutes:

  • A motion was made by Bo Arnett (Southeast) and seconded by Steve Conley (Central) to approve the minutes from the 3/17/13 Executive Committee meeting. The motion passed 9-0.

D. Approval of Financial Report:

  • A motion was made by Steve Conley (Central) and seconded by Chris Fahim (Northwest) to approve the financial report as of 4/30/13. The balance as of 4/30/13 was $39,025.02 (See attached for detail report). The motion passed 8-0.
  • The 2013 – 2014 OIAAA Budget will be discussed at the Executive Committee Summer Work Session on July 26, 2013.
  • Liability Insurance for all members costs $5,100.00 for 434 members

E. Constitution Update:

  • The Constitution Committee of Matt Shomper, Bruce Brown and Paul Moses made suggestions regarding the OIAAA Constitution.
  • OIAAA Membership will vote on changes at the State OIAAA Conference in November.

2. Information Items

A. Membership Report:

  •  Matt Shomper (President) reported the following information regarding membership:
    • As of May 19, 2013 we have processed 51 new memberships for the 2013 – 2014 school year.
  • Randy King is looking into buying membership cards

B. OASSA Report:

  • No report

C. OHSAA Report:

  • Jerry Snodgrass from the OHSAA reported on the following items:
    • On-line ejection report, Foundation game and Pre-season manual on-line

Page 3                                                                             Minutes, Executive Committee Mtg.

2. Information Items Continued

D.  NIAAA Report:

  • No report

E.  Conference Report:

  • Bruce Brown (Executive Director) discussed the following items regarding the 2013 State Conference:
    • Agenda
    • Vendors
    • Program printing and program ads
    • Registration and refund options

F.  Website:

  • Paul Powers (Secretary) made a motion to approve Erich Frombach as the Website Chair. Steve Conley seconded the motion. Motion passed 9-0.
  • Erich Frombach (Website Chair) presented a preview of the new OIAAA Website

 

G.  Awards Report:

  • Bill Schumacher led a discussion on National and State Awards. It was decided that all the award proposals would be tabled until the Summer Planning Session with the officers of OIAAA.

H.  Leadership Training Report:

  • Glen Gillespie (LTI / Newsletter Chair) led a discussion about the following items:
    • 2013 State Conference Classes
      • Sunday: 501, 502 and 714
      • Monday: 506 and 790
      • Looking for teachers to teach LTI classes
      • Southwest would like to host the summer Leadership Training Program in 2014

Page 4                                                                             Minutes, Executive Committee Mtg.

 

I.  Newsletter E-Zine Report:

  • Glen Gillespie (Newsletter Chair) reported the following information regarding the OIAAA Newsletter:
    • Please send feedback on past issues.

J.  Executive Directors Report:

  • Bruce Brown (Executive Director) led a discussion regarding the following items:
    • Gave an update on Business, Conference and MOU’s partnerships.
    • Tim Erickson (Southwest) made a motion that we pay all associated costs for Bruce Brown to attend the NIAAA Executive Director Meeting in June. Paul Powers (Secretary) seconded the motion. Motion passed 7-0.
    • Discussed the renewal of Liability Insurance for all members of OIAAA.
    • A discussion was held regarding the reimbursements and stipends from the OIAAA. It will be taken to the OIAAA Summer meeting for further discussion.
    • Compensation of the Executive Director position. Will look into how other states pay the position.

 

3. Discussion Items

A.  NIAAA Section 2:

  • Summer Conference in West Virginia in June

 

B.  Correspondence from WBL:

  • Received a correspondence from the WBL regarding surveying the OHSAA membership regarding all aspects of the OHSAA office. It was decided the feedback from the OIAAA has no effect on what the OHSAA does. Thus, the OIAAA will not look into sending this survey out.

Page 5                                                                             Minutes, Executive Committee Mtg.

 

C.  District Reports:

            1. Central (Steve Conley)

  • No Report

2. Northwest (Chris Fahim)

  • Roundtable meeting, Wednesday, April 24, 2013
  • Fall Conference, Wednesday, September 18, 2013

3. Northeast (Paul Moses)

  • No Report

4. East (Don Spinell)

  • None

5. Southeast (Bo Arnett)

  • Fall Meeting in September

6. Southwest (Tim Cook)

  • Monday, May 20, 2013, Spring Workshop and Golf Outing

Page 6                                                                             Minutes, Executive Committee Mtg.

5/19/13

 

4. Adjournment

A.  Next Meeting:

  • Sunday, August 18, 2013
    • The meeting will be held at the OHSAA Offices
    • The Conference Planning Committee will meet at 9:00 a.m.
    • The Executive Committee will meet at 10:00 a.m.

 B.  Move to Adjourn:

  • A motion was made by Tim Cook (Southwest) and seconded by Tom Farbizo (Past President) to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed 7-0.
    • The meeting adjourned at 1:25 p.m.

C.  Upcoming Dates of Note:

Future Meeting Dates:  

  • Sunday, August 18, 2013       10:00 a.m.                OHSAA Offices         Conference Planning at 9:00 a.m.
  • Sunday, October 20, 2013     10:00 a.m.                OHSAA Offices         Conference Planning at 9:00 a.m.
  • Sunday, November 17, 2013   9:00 a.m.                 Hilton Easton          
  • Sunday, January 26, 2014    10:00 a.m.                 OHSAA Offices         Conference Planning at 9:00 a.m.
  • Sunday, March 16, 2014        10:00 a.m.                OHSAA Offices         Conference Planning at 9:00 a.m.
  • Sunday, May 18, 2014            10:00 a.m.                OHSAA Offices         Conference Planning at 9:00 a.m.
  • Sunday, August 17, 2014       10:00 a.m.                OHSAA Offices         Conference Planning at 9:00 a.m.
  • Sunday, October 19, 2014     10:00 a.m.                OHSAA Offices         Conference Planning at 9:00 a.m.
  • Sunday, November 16, 2014  9:00 a.m.                 Hilton Easton
  • Sunday, January 25, 2015    10:00 a.m.                OHSAA Offices         Conference Planning at 9:00 a.m.
  • Sunday, March 15, 2015        10:00 a.m.                OHSAA Offices         Conference Planning at 9:00 a.m.
  • Sunday, May 17, 2015            10:00 a.m.                OHSAA Offices         Conference Planning at 9:00 a.m.

Page 7                                                                             Minutes, Executive Committee Mtg.

5/19/13

 

NIAAA Section 2 Meeting Dates:

  • June 20 – 22, 2013                                    Host State: West Virginia
  • June 19 – 22, 2014                                   Host State: Delaware
  • June 18 – 21, 2015                                   Host State: Kentucky
  • June 16 – 18, 2016                                   Host State: Maryland
  • June 15 – 17, 2017                                   Host State: Ohio
  • June 14 – 16,  2018                                  Host State: Pennsylvania
  • June 13 – 15,  2019                                  Host State: Virginia                                    

Future OIAAA Conference Dates:

  • November 17-19, 2013          Host Northeast        Site: Hilton Easton
  • November 16-18, 2014          Host Northwest       Site Hilton Easton
  • November 15-17, 2015          Host East                   Site
  • November 13-15, 2016          Host Southeast        Site
  • November 12-14, 2017          Host Central             Site

 

Future NIAAA Conference Dates:

  • December 13-17, 2013          Place        Anaheim, California
  • December 12-16, 2014          Place        National Harbor, Maryland
  • December 11-15, 2015          Place        Orlando, Florida
  • December 9-15, 2016             Place        Nashville, Tennessee

 

OIAAA Takes Steps to Help Families, Coaches, Counselors with NCAA/NAIA Eligibility and Recruiting

 
(Uniontown, OH) – The Ohio Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (OIAAA) is proud to provide a new nonprofit service designed to assist families in being properly educated about the athletic collegiate recruiting process.
 
The Recruiting Education Foundation Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit venture, is now providing the OIAAA with recruiting webinars for high school student-athletes and their families in the state of Ohio. The webinar is available at no cost, and can be accessed through this link http://oiaaa2.wpengine.com/professional-development/recruiting-webinar/.
 
OIAAA Executive Director Bruce Brown said of the webinar launch, “We are happy to provide this informational program to our student-athletes and their families at no cost. We highly encourage anyone who has aspirations of playing sports in college to watch this webinar.  It is an outstanding first step in properly educating parents and students about the recruiting process.” 
The OIAAA recruiting webinar, which can be accessed through this linkhttp://oiaaa2.wpengine.com/professional-development/recruiting-webinar/, addresses these and other recruiting topics:
  • § Three rules of being a parent
  • § Scholarship myths and facts
  • § NAIA and JUCO education
  • § Scholarships, do they differ?
  • § The Name Game
  • § Negotiate/Cooperative Education
  • § Dangers of social networking/cell phones/Saving for College
  • § National Letter of Intent
  • § NCAA/NAIA Eligibility Centers
  • § Recruiting Services   
  • § NCAA core course requirements 
Brown went on to say, “There is a misunderstanding that the recruiting process doesn’t start until a student’s junior or senior year. Families and students who have aspirations of playing sports in college must begin to prepare themselves for the recruiting process starting in their freshman year of high school. OIAAA highly recommends every parent of a student-athlete dedicate 60 minutes of time to watch our webinar. We feel it will go a long way to get our kids and families on the right track with recruiting, and more importantly, academics.”
In addition, an in–service “HS Staff” webinar for counselors and coaches is being made available for viewing also at no cost.  Access to the in service webinar can also be access through this link http://oiaaa2.wpengine.com/professional-development/recruiting-webinar/.  This 50 minute service will greatly assist counselors and coaches with their continuing education on NCAA/NAIA/JUCO eligibility and recruiting matters.
Additional related resources can be found on these links, including college search options, financial aid resources, and downloadable documents on NCAA/NAIA rule changes.
Contact: Bruce Brown 330-877-4288
Recruiting Education Foundation 813-398-1060
 

Northeast Ohio Interscholastic Athletic Administration Association Inservices 25 New Athletic Directors

On Tuesdsay August 13th, the NEOIAAA hosted a new athletic director workshop at Hudson High School.  25 new athletic administrators attended the workshop.  OHSAA Commissioner Dan Ross spoke to the new athletic directors as well as 10 area athletic directors from Northeast Ohio.  Some of the topics included: parent-coach communication, round table discussion on topics in the field of athletics, coach education and the NFHS and the importance of joining the OIAAA and NIAAA.

 

Lake HIgh School and OIAAA Executive Director Bruce Brown talks about Coach Education
Lake High School Athletic Director and OIAAA Executive Director Bruce Brown talks about Coach Education
NEOIAAA New Athletic Director Workshop at Hudson High School
NEOIAAA New Athletic Director Workshop at Hudson High School

 

 

NIAAA’s Guide to Interscholastic Athletic Administration

NIAAA’s Guide to Interscholastic Athletic Administration presents an overview of high school sport administration from experienced athletic administrators across the United States. This resource help readers
better understand the athletic director’s multifaceted role and confront several challenges they face:

  • Providing comprehensive professional preparation for athletic director candidates and continuing education for today’s athletic directors
  •  Aligning the goals of athletic programs and the conduct of coaches, athletes, and parents engaged in the program to the educational mission of the school, district, state, and national governing organizations
  • Ensuring ongoing education in vital areas including student budget preparation of all student-athletes

To order the book click HERE

To order the E-Book click HERE

NIAAA members receive a discounted price!  Check your member newsletter for details.

 

Arrangements Completed to Officially Start NFHS Network

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (August 9, 2013) — In an organizational meeting yesterday, representatives of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and PlayOn! Sports (PlayOn) completed all legal and financial arrangements to officially start the NFHS Network.
The NFHS Network is a joint venture between the NFHS and PlayOn to expand coverage of high school sports and performing arts through the Internet at www.NFHSnetwork.com. 
 During the organizational meeting, a five-person Board of Directors was selected to govern the NFHS Network. Jack Roberts, executive director of the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA), was selected chair of the NFHS Network Board of Directors. The MHSAA is one of 28 NFHS-member state associations that has joined the NFHS Network.
Bob Gardner, NFHS executive director, and David Rudolph, chief executive officer of PlayOn, were selected vice-presidents of the NFHS Network Board. The other two members selected for the NFHS Network Board were Mark Beckman, executive director of the Montana High School Association (MHSA), and Mark Buffington of Buckhead Investment Partners in Atlanta, Georgia. The MHSA is another member of the NFHS Network. In addition, Robert Rothberg was named chief executive officer of the NFHS Network.
Helping to complete the deal between the NFHS and PlayOn were the law firms of Polsinelli PC of Kansas City, Missouri (NFHS), and Nelson, Mullins, Riley & Scarborough LLP of Atlanta, Georgia (PlayOn). Polsinelli is one of the 100 largest law firms in the United States and represents a number of collegiate and other amateur sports organizations. Nelson Mullins was established in 1897 and was led by attorney Donna Lewis, who has represented PlayOn since its inception.
The NFHS Network Board of Directors, which will meet quarterly, will be responsible for establishing the budget, selecting events for the NFHS Network, monitoring the performance of PlayOn and distributing payments to Network members, among many tasks.
In addition to Michigan and Montana, NFHS member associations in the following states will be a part of the NFHS Network as the 2013-14 season begins: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
In addition, member associations in a number of other states are close to completing agreements and are expected to join the NFHS Network soon.
About PlayOn! Sports
PlayOn! Sports (PlayOn) is the largest rights holder, producer and aggregator of high school sports events distributed across television, the Internet and IP-video enabled mobile devices. PlayOn, in a joint venture with the NFHS, produces and manages the NFHS Network, an all-digital network devoted to coverage of boys and girls high school sports and activities available at www.NFHSNetwork.com. PlayOn also manages the NFHS Network School Broadcast Program that enables schools to self-produce and stream on the NFHS Network site regular season sporting events and school activities providing a hands-on broadcast experience for students. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @NFHSNetwork