I think you can never rest in trying to build interest and loyalty in your program. Some of the things we have done to try and build interest:1. Started a basketball website...leaguelineup.com/henryvillebasketball
2. Started a twitter site with my thoughts ....twitter.com/CoachHunterHHS and Henryville Basketball on facebook (over 1100 followers and blog).
3. Moved our camps from 2nd grade down to kindergarten age players.
4. At camps, we give away something every day and often lots of stuff.
5. We played younger kids at halftime of varsity games.
6. We send out Christmas and Birthday cards to players in the program; from current players to any one who has participated in camps recently.
7. We have a team camp out.
8. The players are invited to my house to eat at least once a year.
9. Take the players to different universities in the summer to see what colleges are like.
10. Open the gym at 7 AM since I have taken over.
11. Have workouts and open gyms in pre season.
12. Give the players ample time to unwind from basketball.
13. Give travel suits to the varsity team every season, those that were used during the season.
14. Have given basketballs to campers and high school players.
15. Taken players to practices and scrimmages at colleges.
16. During summer have traveled to other basketball sites in Indiana (Hall of Fame, etc.).
17. Helped any player who wanted to play past h.s. if told by them (many players have been given the opportunity to play, but have chosen not to due to financial reasons, travel, etc.).
18. Had a newsletter we sent out to keep anyone who chose informed.
19. Kept the camp cost affordable for most and cheaper than many other camps.
20. Had a highly competitive program...in last 5 years winning 2 conference championships and participating in 2 sectional finals.
21. Texting players with positive notes.
22. Giving players the benefit of the doubt academically, socially, and discipline wise to a point.
23. Have attended AAU games as far as Indianapolis and Cincinnati and all star games in Louisville and north of Indy. For anyone who will tell me when they play.
24. Showed appreciation to students who have increased support in recent years.
25. Donated time by reading to the elementary students.
26. Volunteered to be on the Advisory Board of Team Southern Indiana AAU program.
27. Became an Associate Director of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.
28. Traveled to Serbia and Macedonia with hopes of taking players in the future.
29. Schedule, work, and referee elementary basketball games.
30. Try to keep the facility in a first class manner by keeping it clean during the season.
Most of what has been listed above has either been started in the last 5 years or built upon by the previous boys' basketball coaches. We often hear criticisms and would love to know what else we can do to increase interest in the boys' basketball program.
