A recap of 2018-2019
The purpose of this association shall be to promote basketball in the state of Arkansas through the junior high, senior high schools and colleges, and to emphasize the importance of coaches serving as role models and mentors for the youngsters under their supervision.
As the 2018-2019 school year winds down, the ArBCA has enjoyed a fantastic year. The membership exceeded 500 for the second time in its seven-year history. The ArBCA sponsors two main events during the year - a one-day fall clinic in September and an awards banquet in April. Both were well attended this year.
The clinic featured Auburn University Coach Bruce Pearl (who knew he would make the Final Four back in September). Also, University of Arkansas Women’s Coach Mike Neighbors spoke. Southern Miss. Coach Doc Saddler (an Arkansas native) was the first speaker of the day. Over 500 coaches filled the Hendrix College Gym for the one-day clinic.
The April “Top 5” Banquet was attended by 300 players, coaches, and family members. “Finish Empty” motivational speaker Jason Curry addressed the attendees. Over 60 players were awarded “Top 5” medallions for being voted to the “Starting Five” in their classification. “Coaches of the Year” were also honored. All recipients were voted on by the membership of the ArBCA.
Our partnership with PGC allowed us to honor two players with “Heart of a Champion Award” and two coaches with “Transformational Coach” awards.
We have added “Assistant Coaches of the Year” and “Junior High Coach of the Year” awards as well. Our newest awards to be presented were two Lifetime Achievement Awards presented to retiring coaches that have spent many years coaching basketball in the state. These awards are named after the ArBCA’s first executive director, Cliff Garrison. Garrison was inducted into the NHSBCA’s Court of Honor last July in North Carolina at the association’s National Convention.
This summer, the ArBCA will award the college program of the Year awards at the annual Arkansas High School Coaches Association June clinic. The top program is chosen in all three Divisions (I, II, and III).
The leaders of the ArBCA look forward to the National High School Basketball Coaches Association’s meetings in Seattle this summer. We have gained many new ideas that have helped grow our association at this national conference.
