Hysteria IHSAA Reaches Out to Corporate Community

ndiana is known for its love of sports, and for many , the high school championships reign supreme. From to Oscar John Wooden, center row, second Robinson to , many unforgettable moments have been created over from right, helped his 1927 the last century. Martinsville High School basketball team capture the Yet, high school athletics are about much more than making a game-winning state championship score in the tournament. They teach discipline, team building and leadership (photo courtesy IHSAA). skills thatI will carry the student-athlete throughout his or her life. In fact, among today’s high school athletes are many of tomorrow’s business leaders. That belief is top of mind for Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) Commissioner Blake Ress as the IHSAA gears up for its Centennial birthday celebration in November and December. A series of events will bring current and former Indiana high school athletes together with the business community. “Supporting the IHSAA and its youth programs makes for good business because our athletes represent the future workforce of the state,” Ress says. “We believe the events surrounding our 100th birthday provide an ideal, meaningful way for the IHSAA and the business community to connect.” The IHSAA’s Centennial celebration is highlighted by the “Conversation with John Wooden,” presented by Galyan’s. The 93-year-old legendary basketball coach and former Martinsville High School and standout will be at in on November 30 to share his keys to victory in sports and life, including his famed “Pyramids of Success” guide. “Coach Wooden was our first and only choice,” enthuses Ress, a former principal in Wooden’s native Martinsville. “He is recognized by many (including Sports Illustrated) as the greatest athlete in Indiana history. “In talking with him, I found a real eagerness to participate and a desire to keep up his Indiana connection.” Other not-to-miss events include the Centennial Dinner and Autograph Party on December 2 at Warren Central High School in Indianapolis, where many former high school star athletes will be on hand – including former Mr. Basketball . Proceeds from corporate/individual sponsorships of the IHSAA Centennial events benefit the IHSAA Scholarship Fund and the Indiana Chamber Foundation. Varying levels of sponsorship are available, from $500 to $5,000. All include two admissions to the in-person “Conversation with John Wooden” and two preferred seating John Wooden the coaching legend tickets to the 2004 boys and girls state basketball championships. (photo courtesy Los Angeles Athletic Club)

INFORMATION LINK To lend your support to the IHSAA and the Indiana Chamber Foundation, contact Darcy Vannatta at (317) 633-1456 or e-mail: [email protected]. The deadline is By Rebecca Patrick Monday, November 17.

44 BizVoice/Indiana Chamber – November/December 2003 IHSAA Centennial Corporate Sponsorship Packages Sectional Champ – $500 Semi-State Champ – $2,500 State Champs – $5,000 Sunday, November 30, 2003 Sunday, November 30, 2003 Semi-State Champ Package plus: • Two general admission tickets to the in-person • Special VIP seating for two guests at the in- Sunday, November 30, 2003 conversation with Coach John Wooden at 1:30 person conversation with Coach John Wooden • Special Sunday brunch and reception for two guests p.m. at Hinkle Fieldhouse at 1:30 p.m. at Hinkle Fieldhouse with John Wooden, prior to the “in-person conversation” 2004 Tuesday, December 2, 3003 • Preferred seating for two tickets to the 2004 • Preferred seating for two tickets to the IHSAA Tuesday, December 2, 3003 boys and girls basketball state championships Centennial Dinner at Warren Central High School • One corporate table (additional eight tickets, 10 total) with preferred seating at the IHSAA Regional Champ – $1,000 Saturday, December 20, 2003 Centennial Dinner at Warren Central High School Sectional Champ Package plus: • Tickets for two guests to the exclusive IHSAA/ • Two tickets to the autograph party immediately Tuesday, December 2, 3003 Hoosier Salon Art Auction and reception at the prior to the Centennial Dinner • Preferred seating for two tickets to the IHSAA NCAA Hall of Champions Centennial Dinner at Warren Central High School Saturday, December 20, 2003 2004 • Tickets for two additional guests (four in total) to Saturday, December 20, 2003 • Preferred seating for two tickets to 2004 boys the exclusive IHSAA/ Hoosier Salon Art Auction • Tickets for two guests to the exclusive IHSAA/ basketball, girls basketball and football state and reception at the NCAA Hall of Champions Hoosier Salon Art Auction and reception at the championships NCAA Hall of Champions 2004 Merchandise and Recognition • Special VIP hospitality suite privileges for two Merchandise • Commemorative gold IHSAA Centennial lapel pin guests at three IHSAA 2004 state championships • Commemorative gold IHSAA Centennial lapel pin • Copy of new 175-page coffee table book, “Play (boys basketball, girls basketball and football) • Copy of new 175-page coffee table book, “Play on: Celebrating 100 Years of High School Sports on: Celebrating 100 Years of High School Sports in Indiana,” autographed by Coach Wooden Merchandise and Recognition in Indiana,” autographed by Coach Wooden • Name recognition in school publications (by- • Sponsorship logo placement in Centennial Dinner laws, directories and calendars) program and 2004-05 IHSAA school publications

November/December 2003 – BizVoice/Indiana Chamber 45