History of the IBCA
The Indiana Basketball Coaches Association originated in 1971 in a room at the Marriott Hotel in Indianapolis. Two Coaches from each of the five Indiana High School Athletic Association districts and Virgil Sweet attended. The IBCA’s goals were education and fellowship.
The late Marion Crawley was the first executive Director, followed by Virgil Sweet. Bob King, George Griffith. Current Executive Director Steve Witty assumed the position in the summer of 2002. Coach Witty has been Executive Director from 2002 to present, and is the longest tenured leader of the IBCA.
The IBCA is the voice of the Indiana Basketball Coaches. Its’ Board and district representatives meet during the year to formulate and communicate ideas and recommendations to the Indiana High School Athletic Association concerning Indiana High School Basketball.
The IBCA has gone through two major changes through all the years. With the inclusion of Girl’s basketball coaches, the membership has grown to over twenty-five hundred members each year. The IBCA has become one of the largest High School Basketball Coaches Associations in America. The second major change came in 1996 when the IHSAA voted to go to a class tournament beginning in 1998. This presented a tremendous challenge to the IBCA as the hallowed history of Indiana Basketball was changed. In 2001 the IBCA went “online” for the first time. We are proud to say that the IBCA still remains as strong as ever.
The IBCA publishes an e-newsletter in the fall and in the spring. A spring clinic is the Association’s major sponsored event, and is attended by 800-1,200 coaches from Indiana and from around the country. The clinic features sixteen speakers in two days, which includes four college speakers and twelve high school coaches (both boys and girls coaches of the year). This makes it a very unique clinic.
Each year the IBCA provides many boys and girls college grants of seven hundred and fifty dollars each. Through the years, the IBCA is proud to have provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to deserving student athletes.
The IBCA issues its own boys’ and girls’ high school Basketball polls featuring the top twenty teams in the state. The poll committee is made up of forty-four boys and girls head coaches representing each district and class. This group of coaches also selects the IBCA’s boy’s and girl’s all-state team. These All-State teams are made up of fifteen seniors. In addition, there is a boys and girls Underclassmen All State team of fifteen players selected. This committee also selects the boys and girls Junior All-Star teams that compete and help prepare the Senior Indiana All-Stars for the annual Indiana vs Kentucky all-star series.
As we enter the twenty-first century, we find the IBCA entering another era of change. In 2001 the IBCA went on line for the first time. The web site is continually being upgraded and improved to better meet the needs of the coaches and players in our state.
In 2007 the IBCA became involved in the Coaches vs Cancer Initiative. January is now designated as coaches vs cancer month for High School basketball in Indiana. To date, through the efforts of our coaches, players and school communities, a large amount of funds have been raised to fight cancer.
The IBCA also provides a Job Placement Service for its’ members. This has been a part of the IBCA since inception. In 1984, Executive Director, Virgil Sweet recruited Gene Milner to become Job Placement Director and he has continued that job under the following Executive Directors: Bob King, George Griffith, and current Executive Director Steve Witty. Gene also publishes the Indiana High School Basketball Record Book (boys). This publication comes out each spring and has been done in association with the IBCA since 1983. Gene has been the Job Placement Director from 1984 to present, the Record Book Publisher from 1983 to present, and the IBCA Website Coordinator from 2004 to present.
In April and July of 2003, the IBCA in conjunction with the IHSAA began conducting annual boys and girls underclassmen showcases. These events are designed to showcase and provide collegiate exposure for the best underclassmen talent that the state of Indiana has to offer. All High School coaches have the opportunity to recommend their players and the best players that they have observed. These recommendations are then submitted to a committee of IBCA District Representative who determine which players across the state will receive invitations. These showcases are held at Ben Davis High School. Each year over 100 college coaches are in attendance to observe the talent.
The IBCA is very proud of the history and growth of our organization and the heritage of our great game of basketball in Indiana.
The History of the IBCA in the 21st Century
The Indiana Basketball Coaches Association had been in existence for 25 years when the organization entered the 21st Century. The IBCA Board consisted of the following:
The Executive Director – Appointed position with approval of the Board.
The President – Elected by membership.
The Past President – Elected by membership.
Vice President – Elected by membership.
Vice President Girls Basketball – Appointed position with approval of Board.
District Reps from 5 districts – Each district had 2 men and 1 woman. Total # of district reps15
The men District reps were elected by the membership.
The women were not elected by IBCA membership but came from appointments from the Girls Basketball committee of the Indiana Coaches of Girls Sports Association. (ICGSA)
-
Executive Board 2000-2002:
Executive Director – George Griffith
President – Dave McCollough
Past President – Marty Johnson
Vice President – Jerry Bomholt
Vice President – Donna Sullivan
Converse was the primary sponsor of the IBCA during this time. Sterling also became a corporate sponsor of the IBCA. In 2001 the IBCA went online for the first time. Also that year the IHSAA passed the summer participation rule. This rule allowed coaches to practice, have camps, go to team camps, open gym, league play, and summer tournaments with their high school players. These activities were to be voluntary by the players and no events could take place during the July 4 moratorium week. The IHSAA also announced that they had approved the use of three man officiating crews in the state tournament.
In 2002 Steve Witty succeeded George Griffith as Executive Director. Marty Johnson assumed the Assistant Executive Director position, Bob King became the Assistant Director Consultant and Renee Turpa became Vice President for Girls Basketball. -
Executive Board for 2002-2003:
Executive Director – Steve Witty
Assistant Executive Director – Marty Johnson
Assistant Executive Director – Bob King (consultant)
President – Dave McCullough
Vice President – Wayne Barker
Vice President Women’s Basketball – Renee Turpa
2002
The IBCA through the National Organization of Coaches Directors (NOCAD) negotiated one million dollar liability insurance coverage for all High School, Junior High School, and Elementary member coaches. The IHSAA, over the objections of the IBCA, moved the beginning date for all winter sports preseason practices to the second week of November.
David Wood succeeded Steve Witty as boys Coaches Poll Coordinator and boys All State Committee Chairman.
The IBCA website is updated and professionalized.
2003
In 2003, to eliminate confusion and come into alignment with the IHSAA, the IBCA decided to restructure from five districts to three. Instead of two boys coaches reps from each of the five districts for a total of ten, there would be three boys coaches reps from the three districts for a total of nine. Five coaches from the ICGSA girls basketball committee continued to serve. Total number of District reps is fourteen. A District reps’ term is extended from two years to three years.
In conjunction with the IHSAA and encouraged by the NCAA, the IBCA created the Top 100 Boys and Girls Underclassmen Showcases. These showcases are conducted at times when NCAA coaches could be in attendance to observe the talent. The purpose was to have a quality exposure event conducted by high school coaches for the right reasons and to combat private entity events that were just trying to make big money off of the players and the college coaches.
A 2003 survey of member coaches found that 70% of the coaches wanted to see the four class tournament changed.
Suggestions:
Go back to single class
A modified two class system
Various other concepts
Shirts N Things, D1 Comps, Gym Rats, Hoosier Basketball Magazine, Gatorade and Methodist came on board as Corporate Sponsors.
Pete Smith became the Website coordinator.
The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the IBCA developed a working relationship to globally promote the improvement of basketball skills. Selected IBCA coaches were invited to submit basketball articles related to teaching basketball skills to the FIBA magazine publication. This magazine publication has a circulation in numerous languages around the world. The fact that FIBA approaches the IBCA to be involved in this publication is an example of the respect and reputation our organization and high school basketball in Indiana has around the world. -
Executive Board for 2003-2004:
Executive Director – Steve Witty
Assistant Executive Director – Marty Johnson
Assistant Executive Director – Bob King (consultant)
President – Jerry Bomholt
Past President – Dave McCullough
Vice President – Wayne Barker
Vice President Women’s Basketball – Renee Turpa
Website Coordinator – Pete Smith
Gene Milner becomes Website Coordinator.
With the efforts of David Wood and Chris Kilgore computer services, the coaches poll selection process goes online.
The IBCA changes the spring clinic format. The IBCA awards program is moved from a Saturday luncheon at the end of the clinic that was poorly attended to a Friday evening ceremony where coaches could be honored with a larger number of the fellow coaches in attendance. IBCA co-founder and former Executive Director, Virgil Sweet, is in attendance each year to present the Virgil Sweet Awards. -
Executive Board for 2005-2006:
Executive Director – Steve Witty
Assistant Executive Director – Marty Johnson
Assistant Executive Director – Bob King (consultant)
President – Wayne Barker
Past President – Jerry Bomholt
Vice President – Mel Seifert
Vice President Women’s Basketball – Renee Turpa
Website Coordinator – Gene Milner
Loomis and LaPann came on board as corporate partners.
In 2006 New Balance comes on board as the primary sponsor replacing Converse.
Champions Academy comes on board as a sponsor.
With the efforts of Gene Milner and Chris Kilgore, the online E-newsletter is established and posted on the website each fall and spring. For the less tech savvy coaches a printed copy is mailed by request.
The IBCA gets more involved in the Indiana All Star selection process. The IBCA help organize the All Star tryout camp. Thirty-two boys and girls players were invited to participate. All Star games director Pat Aikman makes final decisions on players selected. -
Executive Board for 2007-2008:
Executive Director – Steve Witty
Associate Executive Director – Marty Johnson
Assistant Executive Director Consultant – Bob King
Past President – Jerry Bomholt
President – Wayne Barker
Vice President – Tom Beach
Vice President Women’s Basketball – Renee Turpa
2nd Vice President Women’s Basketball – Kathie Layden
Website Coordinator – Gene Milner
In 2007 the second Vice President for girls basketball position is added to the Executive Board. Kathie Layden assumes this position.
The IBCA designates January as Coaches vs. Cancer month for high school basketball in Indiana. Coaches are encouraged to identify a game date in January as their Coaches vs. Cancer game. On the night of this game, coaches were asked to contact Bob Lovell on his Friday and Saturday night call in scoreboard show and report how much money was raised. In the first year effort $60,000 was raised.
Indiana Executive Director Steve Witty with Executive Directors from New York, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio and Texas co-found the National High School Basketball Coaches Association. The purpose of the organization is to provide high school basketball coaches with a national voice on issues related to basketball. Twenty five states with High School Basketball Coaches Associations are invited to join the organization. An annual conference is held in July in Indianapolis. -
Executive Board for 2008-2009:
Executive Director – Steve Witty
Assistant Executive Director – Marty Johnson
Assistant Executive Director – Bob King (consultant)
President – Tom Beach
Past President – Wayne Barker
Vice President – Chris Benedict
Vice President Women’s Basketball – Renee Turpa
2nd Vice President Women’s Basketball – Kathie Layden
Special Projects Coordinator – Pat Aikman
Website Coordinator – Gene Milner
2008
Pat Aikman comes on board in the newly created Executive Board position as Special Projects Coordinator.
The Best of Indiana is launched on the IBCA website. The purpose of this initiative was to help players earn scholarships.
The IBCA adds more girls representation to the board by electing girls reps vs. utilizing appointments from the ICGSA. That increases the total number of district reps to fifteen. Five from each of the three districts.
The National High School Basketball Coaches Association negotiated reduced NABC membership fees for high school coaches. The fees are reduced from $70 to $29.50 for active high school coaches.
After a survey of member coaches, the IBCA approves another change to the clinic format. Instead of a late evening buffet on Friday evening that was inconsistently attended, member coaches surveyed supported having another speaker added to the agenda vs. a late night buffet. In 2011 Subway comes on board and provides sandwiches for coaches during a break from the Friday afternoon presentations.
The administrators of the year award was created to honor Athletic Directors, Principals and Superintendents who have supported high school basketball.
IBCA coaches attending the spring clinic are offered an opportunity to earn college credit for recertification or an elective for under graduate or graduate credit from Northern State University and later with Valparaiso University.
2009
The IBCA helps Charlie Hall organize the All Star Shootout event. This event is held in conjunction with the Indiana/Kentucky All Star games. Twenty four teams are invited to come to Indianapolis on the Saturday of the All Star games at Bankers Life. Teams are guaranteed to play two games. Every player gets a free T-Shirt and all games will be over in time for everyone to get downtown to see the Indiana/Kentucky All Star games at Bankers Life. There is no entry fee for this event. All teams were asked to purchase an All Star ticket at a reduced price for all of their participating players.
The Girls IBCA Top 20 Coaches Poll is created similar to the Boys Top 20. Pat McKee is selected as the Girls Coaches Poll Coordinator and girls All State Committee Chairman. Both polls rank the Top 20 schools regardless of class. The avid basketball fan can now see high school rankings in three different formats, Sagarin Power rankings, the Associated Press rankings by class and the IBCA’s Top 20 rankings regardless of class.
The Player of the Week program under the direction of Special Projects Coordinator Pat Aikman is created. Each week coaches and media could nominate players from across the state for this recognition.
The 100 Year Anniversary of High School Basketball in Indiana. The IBCA, NCAA, IHSAA, the Pacers, the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame and the City of Indianapolis join forces to celebrate the 100 year anniversary and plan activities related to the NCAA Final Four.
The NCAA and the NBA established the IHOOPS program. Together each organization pledged a total of five million dollars to bring more structure and accountability to AAU as well as supporting youth programs at the community level. IHOOPS will have their headquarters in Indianapolis and the IBCA Executive Director, Steve Witty is asked to serve on the committee representing high school basketball.
Titles for Executive Board members change. Assistant Executive Director became Associate Executive Director. Vice President for Girls Basketball changes to Assistant Director. -
Executive Board for 2010-2012:
Executive Director – Steve Witty
Associate Executive Director – Marty Johnson
Associate Executive Director – Bob King (consultant)
President – Tom Beach
Past President – Wayne Barker
Vice President – Chris Benedict
Assistant Director – Renee Turpa
Assistant Director – Kathie Layden
Special Projects Coordinator – Pat McKee
Website Coordinator – Gene Milner
2010
Pat McKee succeeds Pat Aikman as Special Projects Coordinator.
All Star Shootout event adds boys and girls middle schools.
IBCA coaches receive discounted Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame membership fees. Active high school coaches can join the HOF for $25.
Marion Crawley, Junior Mannies scholarships are increased from $500 – $750 for selected student athletes.
To honor Pat Aikman, retired Indiana/Kentucky All Star Games Director, the IBCA established the Pat Aikman scholarship. This $750 scholarship will be awarded to one boy and one girl student athlete that plans to enter the field of journalism, sports management, athletic training or physical therapy. The IBCA awards $30,000 in scholarships per year to deserving student athletes.
The Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) offers IBCA members free annual memberships when they sign up for the WBCA convention in Indianapolis during the Women’s Final Four. As WBCA members IBCA coaches will have the ability to purchase Women’s Final Four tickets.
Anaconda Sports, Fast Models, Indiana Pacers and Fever became Corporate Partners. As part of the agreement, Pacers Sports and Entertainment provides access to Banker’s Life suites during the boys and girls state finals for member IBCA coaches.
2011
The IBCA enters into an agreement with the Indy Star to produce the Indiana/Kentucky All Star games. Charlie Hall is retained as the All Star Games Director and Pat McKee became the Assistant All Star Game Director. The Indiana Pacers support this agreement by providing the usage of Banker’s Life Fieldhouse for the Indiana portion of the games.
From a suggestion by younger IBCA member coaches, the Coaches Roundtable Issues and Answers forum was added to the Coaches Clinic. This portion of the clinic was moderated by Bob Lovell as he interviewed former experienced successful coaches about issues that might help the younger or less experienced coaches as they pursue their careers. Questions by coaches in attendance are encouraged.
The National High School Basketball Coaches Association (NHSBCA) becomes incorporated. IBCA Executive Director Steve Witty as well as representatives from Iowa, Texas, Ohio, New York, and Michigan were co-founders. Steve Witty was the organizations’ first Vice President/Treasurer. Twenty eight states were represented at the July conference. The mission of the organization is to unite high school basketball coaches across the country, promote the game and empower the high school coaching profession. Every coach who joins his state High School Coaches Association automatically becomes a member of the National High School Basketball Coaches Association. The National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) officially recognizes the (NHSBCA), allows a high school representative to have a seat on the NABC congress as a voice for high school basketball.
Kessler/BSN Sports comes on board as the IBCA primary partner replacing New Balance. Special thanks to Dan Repass.
Subway comes on board as a corporate partner and provides the following:
Support for the Player of the week program
Sandwiches at clinic
Contribute to IBCA scholarship fund
Reduced prices on Subway box meals
Camp T-Shirts and gift card program2012
In conjunction with the (NHSBCA) and Winning Hoops the “Play of the Day” feature is added to the IBCA website. Each member coach can go on line and get the “Play of the Day”.
As a result of pressure from the State Legislature, the IHSAA conducted Town Hall meetings across the state to allow individuals to express their opinion about Single Class vs. Multi Class basketball. A majority of people in attendance at the meetings support single class basketball. In an IHSAA survey, the majority of the players, principals, and athletic directors supported the present four class system. The IBCA coaches vote was split 50/50 on the issue. The IBCA position is that this issue does not have to be an either /scenario. Some compromise ideas to improve our game do exist. The IBCA created a committee to study these compromise ideas. Two or three compromise ideas were created and all IBCA member coaches had the opportunity to express their viewpoint.
The National High School Basketball Coaches Association(NHBCA) commits to creating and organizing a National Rising Senior Tournament to be held in Indianapolis in July 2013. Initially 12 states are committed to participate in this event.
Indiana and Kentucky create the Indiana/Kentucky Junior All Star game. -
Executive Board for 2013-2014:
Executive Director – Steve Witty
Associate Director – Marty Johnson
President – Chris Benedict
Past President – Tom Beach
President Elect – Mike Hackett
Assistant Director – Renee Turpa
Assistant Director – Kathie Layden
Assistant Director – Mike Broughton
Special Projects Coordinator – Pat McKee
Website Coordinator – Gene Milner
2013
Bob King passes away. He was a great coach, leader, and supporter of the IBCA and most importantly a great man. He will be missed.
Mike Broughton comes on board as an Assistant Director.
The IBCA website is updated to make it possible to join on line and pay by credit card.
The first NHSBCA Rising Senior event was held at Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis. Six states participated. The event was a huge success. The speakers as part of the educational component were awesome. The games were competitive and well played.
Indiana and Kentucky enter into an agreement to create the Indiana/Kentucky Challenge Cup games. Five teams from Kentucky compete against five teams from Indiana. Whichever state wins three of the five games earns the Challenge Cup trophy that will be placed on display in their respective Hall of Fame. All proceeds from the event goes to the Indiana and Kentucky Basketball Halls of Fame.
All Star Shootout is expanded to 84 boys and girls, middle school and high school teams.
IBCA Member Survey Results
Questions Totals
Are you satisfied with the current tournament format? 57% no
Are you satisfied with the current 4-Class system? 56% no
Would you like to see some form of compromise? 68% yes
Is travel an issue at the sectional level with the current tournament format? 51% no
Is travel an issue at the regional level with the current tournament format? 62% no
Do you believe attendance is good in the current tournament format?(all levels) 76% No
Do you believe that local rivals get a chance to compete in our current Tournament format? 53% no
Do you believe that all classes need to have the same number of schools? 54% no
Would you like to see all sectionals have the same number of teams? 74% yes
Would you like seeding to be a part of the sectional level? 57% no
Do you believe that a compromise would increase interest in the tournament? 63% yes
Do you believe there is an issue with the mega schools? 60% yes
Do you believe the Girls State Finals should be played in Indianapolis? 92% yes
Would you like to see the overlap of tournaments?
(boys sectional final the same weekend) 62% yes
If a compromise could be reached would you vote for crowning 1 state Champion? 59% yes
Do you believe that a compromise would increase interest in the tournament? 63% yes
Information from this survey was used to create a proposal to the IHSAA that represents all coaches in Indiana.
2014
The IBCA proposes to the IHSAA a change in the state tournament format. In a survey member IBCA coaches
support JV games being extended from six minutes to seven minute quarters.
Second National Rising Senior Academy was held at Ben Davis High School in July.
Shoot Away, Krossover came on board as Corporate Partners.
Renee Turpa agrees to serve the National High School Basketball Coaches Association (NHSBCA) as liaison
to the Womens Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) -
Executive Board for 2015-2017:
Executive Director – Steve Witty
Associate Director – Marty Johnson
President – Mike Hatchett
Past President – Chris Benedict
President Elect – Scott Kreiger
Assistant Director – Renee Turpa
Assistant Director – Kathie Layden
Assistant Director – Mike Broughton
Assistant Director – Tom Beach
Special Projects Coordinator – Pat McKee
Website Coordinator – Gene Milner
2015
The All-State selection process is changed.
15 players from any class schools can be selected Supreme 15
15 players large School All State
15 players small School All State
78 players from all classes are selected Honorable Mention
Tom Beach comes on board as an Assistant Director.
For the first time in seven years IBCA membership fees are increased $5 to $25 if joining by February 1. After February 1, late membership fee is $35.
2016
The IHSAA tables the IBCA summer participation proposal. The IHSAA instead forms a committee of reps from all sports to study potential during the school year out of season participation rules.
Utilizing Jeff Becker’s services, and the efforts of Renee Turpa, Tom Beach and Marty Johnson, the IBCA website is updated and the organization goes paperless. All membership, clinic registration, voting, and nominations will happen online. A coach must be a member to vote or to nominate his players for recognition.
Point Guard College comes on board as a corporate partner.
Franciscan Health comes on board as a corporate partner.
Scorebook Live comes on board as a corporate partner.
Indy Star Mr. and Miss Basketball are announced at the newly created Indiana Sports Awards dinner at Lucas Oil Stadium in April.
Pat Mckee developed an algorithm to help in the selection of the Academic All State and the boys and girls All State teams.
2017
Herff Jones comes on board as a corporate partner.
The IBCA proposal tabled two years ago regarding summer participation will be revisited by the IHSAA.
The IHSAA proposal related to player participation during the school year out of season was tabled for further study. The main issue is related to weight training and early morning before school shooting.
IBCA creates the Assistant Coach of the Year award. -
Executive Board for 2017-2019:
Executive Director – Steve Witty
Associate Director – Marty Johnson
President – Scott Kreiger
Past President – Mike Hatchett
President Elect – Craig Teagle
Assistant Director – Renee Turpa
Assistant Director – Kathie Layden
Assistant Director – Jane Schott
Assistant Director – Mike Broughton
Assistant Director – Tom Beach
Jane Schott comes on board to share an Assistant Director position with Kathie Layden.
2018
Mike Broughton replaces Charlie Hall as the All Star Director.
The IHSAA passes a new in school out of season participation rule.
The NCAA established the Rice Commission after the FBI investigation of fraud in Men’s college basketball. The purpose of the Rice Commission was to study the issues and make recommendations to the NCAA for improvement.
IBCA Executive Director, Steve Witty is selected by the NFHS to serve on a think tank committee made up of representatives from other states to make recommendations to the Rice Commission from the high school perspective before the Rice Commission makes their final recommendations to the NCAA.
In an attempt to get the high school coaches back more involved in the recruiting process, the NCAA announces that the last two weekends in June, D1 coaches would be allowed to attend scholastic events organized and operated by high school associations.
The National High School Basketball Coaches Association (NHSBCA) collaborates with the National Federation (NFHS) to identify five scholastic event models and criteria to host a scholastic event.
The Five Scholastic Event Models include the following:
Showcases (Indiana Model)
Team camps
Jamboree
Metro area events (teams in area participants)
Multi state events
The IBCA decided the Boys Top 100 will be held during the first Scholastic event weekend June 22.
The Scholastic event weekends only pertain to boys basketball. The Girls Showcase event will still be held in July. The NCAA Women’s Basketball committee began discussions to change their recruiting calendar so girls basketball events can be held on those June Scholastic event weekends as well. The IBCA anticipates that with this recruiting calendar change that both the boys and girls Showcases will be held during the June Scholastic event weekend in 2020.
The IBCA enters into an agreement with the Charlie Hughes group to organize a tournament made up of the best 64-80 teams in the state. This tournament would be played on the second Scholastic Event weekend June 28-30.
BSN agrees to a new three year agreement to continue as a primary partner of the IBCA. Special thanks to Bob Kizer, Quinn Moore and Dan Repass.
2019
Krossover, Shootaway, both decide to extend their partnership agreement with the IBCA, 3 more years to 2023.