Quick Update
We had a slight delay in getting the DVDs reproduced as we had to get a copyright release from Media Com. We got the release last Thursday and sent the 3 DVDs to be duplicated on Friday. We should have final copies and shipped in two weeks.
We will send out a notice when they are shipped. If you still would like to order you can do so on the website http://www.homeschoolbasketball.com/complete-dvd-collection
We also are working on clearing up a couple of other details this week, if you have something that you are waiting for please e-mail Kurt Talbott at k3t3@netzero.com as he is overseeing tying up the final details so we can change our efforts to next fall.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Changes for 2010
Wow, it is hard to believe Nationals is over and next year is only 354 days away. My family has headed up the National Tournament for the last nine years. That is exactly half of the eighteen years the National Tournament has been in existence. To be honest I am not sure how we have made it this long, in the first nine years there were three different directors each holding the post for three years. This year we got a little glimpse of why directors where ready to pass the torch after three years.
On the way home Cheryl and I talked at length about the challenges and the extra stress of running the tournament in a new city. Obviously everything that had become routine in the last few years had to be reinvented. Working with 35 new facilities, new officiating groups, new convention center, new showcase and final facility, new media, new Convention and Visitors Bureau, new hotels and new local sponsors. Add to that, we had our most significant growth of HomeSchool teams in six years, added the Christian Educated Tournament and television coverage. All that to say it was a year that I found myself in a high D mode all week to make sure the end product was as good as expected.
The reviews on Springfield have been 100% positive (I mean 100%) and we are thrilled because there was a lot of prayer, blood, sweat and tears that went into that decision.
I know I am biased but I think the National Christian HomeSchool Tournament is the most amazing sporting event in the world. I am truly blessed that the programs and teams that have come for years have put their trust into my family's hands over the last nine years. I also am truly blessed to have a family that loves to serve the HomeSchool community. We have spent most of the time we have been awake since the tournament ended reviewing, discussing and planning for 2010. I want you to know that one of the things that makes the National Championship so awesome is the fact that so many of you share your ideas. We love to sit back with our planning boards and take your ideas and see how they fit into the big picture. I can promise you we truly listen and your ideas make a difference. I am not saying that we can implement them all, as many of the ideas reflect one team or programs perspective. That is fine the feedback still helps.
With the above in mind I need to announce a significant change in the 2010 Regional Tournaments. We will be moving a tournament and making a realignment of the southern regional tournaments. The Shreveport Regional will move to Houston, Texas (Feb 4-6). The realignment will be as follows:
Dallas/Ft Worth North Texas -- OKC
San Antonio, Austin, San Marcos - Houston
Louisiana -- Houston
Tennessee - Atlanta
Arkansas - OKC
This schedule should work well with the Texas State Tournament travel schedules and better balance the regions. We will be bring the regional pages on the website up to date over the next couple of days. Kurt Talbott will be overseeing the Regional Tournaments again in 2010 so if you have questions please feel free to contact him directly.
In the next few weeks as I travel I hope to be able to write to you concerning a number of issues that many of you have been asked about. Everything from the long range plans for the showcase, the program fundraising, the fall National Tournament weekend, to how the Christian Educated Championships fit it.
Championship and All-American Rings
Ring Fliers and Order Form is at www.homeschoolbasketball.com
Hooded Sweatshirts -- Sold Out (Med and XL)
We are now Sold Out of Adult Medium and Adult XL Hooded Sweatshirts. We have limited quantities of the other sizes and expect to sell out by this weekend. Soon we will have a huge t-shirt sale, so keep an eye on future e-mails.
On the way home Cheryl and I talked at length about the challenges and the extra stress of running the tournament in a new city. Obviously everything that had become routine in the last few years had to be reinvented. Working with 35 new facilities, new officiating groups, new convention center, new showcase and final facility, new media, new Convention and Visitors Bureau, new hotels and new local sponsors. Add to that, we had our most significant growth of HomeSchool teams in six years, added the Christian Educated Tournament and television coverage. All that to say it was a year that I found myself in a high D mode all week to make sure the end product was as good as expected.
The reviews on Springfield have been 100% positive (I mean 100%) and we are thrilled because there was a lot of prayer, blood, sweat and tears that went into that decision.
I know I am biased but I think the National Christian HomeSchool Tournament is the most amazing sporting event in the world. I am truly blessed that the programs and teams that have come for years have put their trust into my family's hands over the last nine years. I also am truly blessed to have a family that loves to serve the HomeSchool community. We have spent most of the time we have been awake since the tournament ended reviewing, discussing and planning for 2010. I want you to know that one of the things that makes the National Championship so awesome is the fact that so many of you share your ideas. We love to sit back with our planning boards and take your ideas and see how they fit into the big picture. I can promise you we truly listen and your ideas make a difference. I am not saying that we can implement them all, as many of the ideas reflect one team or programs perspective. That is fine the feedback still helps.
With the above in mind I need to announce a significant change in the 2010 Regional Tournaments. We will be moving a tournament and making a realignment of the southern regional tournaments. The Shreveport Regional will move to Houston, Texas (Feb 4-6). The realignment will be as follows:
Dallas/Ft Worth North Texas -- OKC
San Antonio, Austin, San Marcos - Houston
Louisiana -- Houston
Tennessee - Atlanta
Arkansas - OKC
This schedule should work well with the Texas State Tournament travel schedules and better balance the regions. We will be bring the regional pages on the website up to date over the next couple of days. Kurt Talbott will be overseeing the Regional Tournaments again in 2010 so if you have questions please feel free to contact him directly.
In the next few weeks as I travel I hope to be able to write to you concerning a number of issues that many of you have been asked about. Everything from the long range plans for the showcase, the program fundraising, the fall National Tournament weekend, to how the Christian Educated Championships fit it.
Championship and All-American Rings
Ring Fliers and Order Form is at www.homeschoolbasketball.com
Hooded Sweatshirts -- Sold Out (Med and XL)
We are now Sold Out of Adult Medium and Adult XL Hooded Sweatshirts. We have limited quantities of the other sizes and expect to sell out by this weekend. Soon we will have a huge t-shirt sale, so keep an eye on future e-mails.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Good Afternoon
We are working hard to respond quickly to the many requests we are getting. We have a list of 15-20 items and we are assuming that if we get a question more than once that there are probably dozens of people who have the question. Therefore we are trying to set up systems and answer the questions in e-mails and on the blog so that everyone will have the info they need.
Coming soon (hopefully tomorrow) information on pictures from the award ceremony and showcase, Springfield Web TV, collecting medals and trophies.
Next year’s date – Is now on the home page of the website – March 15-20, 2010
Hotel Reservation – some of you loved your hotel and want to lock it up for next year before next November. Just fill out form on website and I am going to meet with the Springfield CVB and work something out.
Blog for comments about 2009 is now on line (link on home page). We welcome all comments we want to get better and value the input.
All-American Game DVD Sales – We now have on line DVD sales. I would like to see every family own a set of these DVD for two very important reasons:
1. This is a great item for memories and motivation. Everyone who was at the 2009 Nationals will at some point be disappointed if they don’t get one or more of these dvds.
2. It is a great way to support the showcase. The showcase cost almost $25,000 to put on. It truly is the highlight of the week and a great way to display the talent for fans, players and college coaches. This year we had scouts at Nationals from the following division 1 schools: Georgetown, Tennessee, South Florida, Miami, Oral Roberts, Missouri State, Arkansas Little Rock and Alabama. Plus there were dozens of scouts and college coaches form schools like Mid-America University, SE Missouri State, Crown Christian College, Barclay College, Pensacola, North Dakota, Pittsburg State, Drury College and SW LA. The showcase is a big part of getting the coaches to come to Nationals. If you like the Showcase and/or you like the fact that more college scouts watched more HomeSchool players play basketball than ever before, then support the Showcase by buying a DVD or the whole collection. www.homeschoolbasketball.com/online-store
Hooded Sweatshirt Blow Out – We get more requests from players and families that did not get a chance to buy their hooded sweatshirt than any other item. So this morning we separated out remaining hooded sweatshirts and have put them into a package so we can get rid of them all before we put them away until next year. We have limited quantities so if you want a sweat shirt don’t delay.
www.homeschoolbasketball.com/online-store
Coming soon (hopefully tomorrow) information on pictures from the award ceremony and showcase, Springfield Web TV, collecting medals and trophies.
Next year’s date – Is now on the home page of the website – March 15-20, 2010
Hotel Reservation – some of you loved your hotel and want to lock it up for next year before next November. Just fill out form on website and I am going to meet with the Springfield CVB and work something out.
Blog for comments about 2009 is now on line (link on home page). We welcome all comments we want to get better and value the input.
All-American Game DVD Sales – We now have on line DVD sales. I would like to see every family own a set of these DVD for two very important reasons:
1. This is a great item for memories and motivation. Everyone who was at the 2009 Nationals will at some point be disappointed if they don’t get one or more of these dvds.
2. It is a great way to support the showcase. The showcase cost almost $25,000 to put on. It truly is the highlight of the week and a great way to display the talent for fans, players and college coaches. This year we had scouts at Nationals from the following division 1 schools: Georgetown, Tennessee, South Florida, Miami, Oral Roberts, Missouri State, Arkansas Little Rock and Alabama. Plus there were dozens of scouts and college coaches form schools like Mid-America University, SE Missouri State, Crown Christian College, Barclay College, Pensacola, North Dakota, Pittsburg State, Drury College and SW LA. The showcase is a big part of getting the coaches to come to Nationals. If you like the Showcase and/or you like the fact that more college scouts watched more HomeSchool players play basketball than ever before, then support the Showcase by buying a DVD or the whole collection. www.homeschoolbasketball.com/online-store
Hooded Sweatshirt Blow Out – We get more requests from players and families that did not get a chance to buy their hooded sweatshirt than any other item. So this morning we separated out remaining hooded sweatshirts and have put them into a package so we can get rid of them all before we put them away until next year. We have limited quantities so if you want a sweat shirt don’t delay.
www.homeschoolbasketball.com/online-store
Monday, March 23, 2009
In the Books
Dear Friends,
I want to get a quick note out to say thank your participation in what was seemed to be the most successful tournament so far. I do plan to write a series of letters reviewing things from this year and seeking input for next year. I hope to start those letters next week as we review one area each week for the next 6-8 weeks. In the meantime I will be responding to a couple of items that I am getting question about.
One quick comment on the t-shirt - there was some concern that we left the "Christian" off the shirt. We did have a cross and a Bible, so there was no intention to leave "Christian" out even though we didn't have the word Christian on the shirt.
2010 Hotel Reservations - the hotels are all blocked for 2010 as they were this year. However, the hotel association decided that in order for teams to be able to be accurate in blocking the right amount of rooms they are going to begin accepting reservations until mid November. We will notify you when the block is available to register.
T-shirts - If you failed to pick-up your prepaid t-shirts let me know so that we can pull them aside for you. We will have a huge t-shirt sale later this week before we put the left overs in storage.
Final Brackets should be updated in the next 24-48 hours.
A Family Matter - we have a blog on the website that we allowed comments on. I do not have the ability to edit comments (you will notice in my post numerous spelling errors that I can't fix), there have been some comments are unnecessary, if they continue I will have to just close the blog down so please be careful what you write.
I think that covers all the ones that I have had more than 5 questions about.
I want to get a quick note out to say thank your participation in what was seemed to be the most successful tournament so far. I do plan to write a series of letters reviewing things from this year and seeking input for next year. I hope to start those letters next week as we review one area each week for the next 6-8 weeks. In the meantime I will be responding to a couple of items that I am getting question about.
One quick comment on the t-shirt - there was some concern that we left the "Christian" off the shirt. We did have a cross and a Bible, so there was no intention to leave "Christian" out even though we didn't have the word Christian on the shirt.
2010 Hotel Reservations - the hotels are all blocked for 2010 as they were this year. However, the hotel association decided that in order for teams to be able to be accurate in blocking the right amount of rooms they are going to begin accepting reservations until mid November. We will notify you when the block is available to register.
T-shirts - If you failed to pick-up your prepaid t-shirts let me know so that we can pull them aside for you. We will have a huge t-shirt sale later this week before we put the left overs in storage.
Final Brackets should be updated in the next 24-48 hours.
A Family Matter - we have a blog on the website that we allowed comments on. I do not have the ability to edit comments (you will notice in my post numerous spelling errors that I can't fix), there have been some comments are unnecessary, if they continue I will have to just close the blog down so please be careful what you write.
I think that covers all the ones that I have had more than 5 questions about.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Brackets, Registration and Weather
Registration links are set up please go to web page and read through the registration process. http://www.homeschoolbasketball.com/registration
Weather Report
M-Thur mid 70’s
Fr-Sat mid 60’s
Team USAs have been formed. That information will be available at registration. The following ages are full B16, B18, B14 (we will start a waiting list in case someone doesn’t show up) -- We desperately need G12 and have openings in the rest. If you’re coming to town and not playing on a team, why not play, will have a great time.
Brackets are being posted tonight hopefully all done before we go to bed. Link on the home page at top of page 2009 brackets.
Weather Report
M-Thur mid 70’s
Fr-Sat mid 60’s
Team USAs have been formed. That information will be available at registration. The following ages are full B16, B18, B14 (we will start a waiting list in case someone doesn’t show up) -- We desperately need G12 and have openings in the rest. If you’re coming to town and not playing on a team, why not play, will have a great time.
Brackets are being posted tonight hopefully all done before we go to bed. Link on the home page at top of page 2009 brackets.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Latest Information
Just arrived in Springfield, here is a quick update.
The Oasis is now called Ramada – there has been a name change of the host property, so look for the Ramada sign on Glenstone.
With the move to Springfield we are looking to replace some volunteers. The last few years we had a number of families whose kids had graduate continue to help. Obviously they will not travel to Springfield without kids playing. We have had a good response from Springfield families but the many hands make light work. Here is what we need:
1. Two to help with Coaches’ Registration from 10:00-2:30 and 2 from 4:00-9:00
2. One for Team USA Registration (same hours as above).
3. Two to help set up All-American Award Ceremony Noon-2:00
4. Two or three to help with data input for the awards ceremony.
Change -- This year we will have all the seniors march in behind their team banner. Great idea -- a special thank you to Maria Morrow from SATCH.
So many exciting things happening here, I would love to take time to tell you about but I have to get up early and to go to radio station for an interview (I will be talking about you)and I am behind schedule. If you’re waiting for the following:
1. T-shirt Posting
2. Team USA Rosters
3. Final Main Brackets
4. A response about be a Nationals Blogger
Hang in there we will get them done.
The Oasis is now called Ramada – there has been a name change of the host property, so look for the Ramada sign on Glenstone.
With the move to Springfield we are looking to replace some volunteers. The last few years we had a number of families whose kids had graduate continue to help. Obviously they will not travel to Springfield without kids playing. We have had a good response from Springfield families but the many hands make light work. Here is what we need:
1. Two to help with Coaches’ Registration from 10:00-2:30 and 2 from 4:00-9:00
2. One for Team USA Registration (same hours as above).
3. Two to help set up All-American Award Ceremony Noon-2:00
4. Two or three to help with data input for the awards ceremony.
Change -- This year we will have all the seniors march in behind their team banner. Great idea -- a special thank you to Maria Morrow from SATCH.
So many exciting things happening here, I would love to take time to tell you about but I have to get up early and to go to radio station for an interview (I will be talking about you)and I am behind schedule. If you’re waiting for the following:
1. T-shirt Posting
2. Team USA Rosters
3. Final Main Brackets
4. A response about be a Nationals Blogger
Hang in there we will get them done.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Almost Final Brackets
Almost Final Seeding Brackets are now posted. Let me explain what we mean by almost final, we have made all the changes that we plan to make. Of course this is assuming that we didn’t make a mistake when we made the last 57 changes that we just posted. We made changes were we had two boys and girls varsity teams playing at the same time Monday, where we had incomplete seeding information or if we just plain messed up. At this point the only changes we will make are if we made an error when made the changes. If you see an error please contact us. When we get to Springfield tomorrow night we will double check all the game times against the master gym schedule and if it is all good we will mark the seeding brackets final.
Main Brackets are done but I need to go through them one more time before we post them.
Blogging plans – I really want to find 5-10 people that will be in Springfield watching games that would be willing to blog about the different games the watch. I really think this would be very cool and add a lot and the kids will eat it up. I have proven that grammatical standards are not crucial and I will hold you to the same low standard that I am held to. Contact me let’s do it.
Team USA – We will have teams divided by the time registration opens and yes if you requested to be on a team with another player you will be and if you requested to coach you will be.
Information Center - I have started updating the website on the front page we have a section that says key links. So far I have:
1) Gym and Hotel Maps
2) Seeding Brackets
3) Schedule (the Saturday Schedule was revised slightly)
4) Hopefully we will have a tournament blog link.
5) If you can think of something everyone needs to have easy access to send me an e-mail.
http://www.homeschoolbasketball.com
T-shirts are in – They look GREAT. We will have a lot more information on t-shirts and pick up soon.
Practice gyms for Monday -- The Courts E-Zone will be open on Monday for practice time. You will need to schedule your time and pay them directly. The contact is Chris or Shane their number is 417-831-3333
That’s all for now,
Main Brackets are done but I need to go through them one more time before we post them.
Blogging plans – I really want to find 5-10 people that will be in Springfield watching games that would be willing to blog about the different games the watch. I really think this would be very cool and add a lot and the kids will eat it up. I have proven that grammatical standards are not crucial and I will hold you to the same low standard that I am held to. Contact me let’s do it.
Team USA – We will have teams divided by the time registration opens and yes if you requested to be on a team with another player you will be and if you requested to coach you will be.
Information Center - I have started updating the website on the front page we have a section that says key links. So far I have:
1) Gym and Hotel Maps
2) Seeding Brackets
3) Schedule (the Saturday Schedule was revised slightly)
4) Hopefully we will have a tournament blog link.
5) If you can think of something everyone needs to have easy access to send me an e-mail.
http://www.homeschoolbasketball.com
T-shirts are in – They look GREAT. We will have a lot more information on t-shirts and pick up soon.
Practice gyms for Monday -- The Courts E-Zone will be open on Monday for practice time. You will need to schedule your time and pay them directly. The contact is Chris or Shane their number is 417-831-3333
That’s all for now,
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