When it comes to the IHSA controlling student athletes during their high school season, it will use these three talking points to defend its tired position: *Health & safety. *Coaching challenges. *“Our member schools tell us to do this.” “Most member schools have no idea how

Kevin Ozee is the chief of interscholastic activities for the Burleson Independent School District in Burleson, Texas. He just wrote a story for the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) talking about student athletes playing high school and club/travel at

The IHSA has asked all school leaders to send this note to their State Rep. Plug & play, a standard campaign. It’s sad when school leaders don’t engage & educate themselves truly before playing click & send, but they’re busy - I get it. Below, I provide commentary and links

#DYK: More than 8 million participants competed in high school sports in the 2023-24 school year throughout the U.S. – an all-time record and the first-time EVER that total participation has exceeded the 8-million mark. #DYK II: 75 percent of high school student athletes have

Sundays…I love them. Schools are closed. It’s essentially a free day for student athletes and families to do what they want….well unless you’re a high school student athlete and family in Illinois. Here are some phrases I want you to think about on this Sunday: “Gym rat.”

Picture this: Each high school student athlete in Illinois has three waivers per school year to use on outside events. The waivers are signed off by the school principal and AD at least one week in advance. This would allow student athletes to take part in charity events,

The Right To Play Bill would give high school student athletes and their families the right to do what they want in their free and weekend time….like I don’t know, run a Sunday 5K for charity that the IHSA suspended a freshman for doing last fall. Nearly 90 percent of the

Have you ever asked a school leader why high school student athletes in Illinois can’t do things in their free and weekend time - especially on Sundays? Seriously, I want you to ask. Then I want you to ask them this: How many high school student athletes sit the bench the

Annie Fowler is one of the best girls soccer players in Illinois, and one of the most accomplished in the country. Guess what: She’s only a sophomore at New Trier. Annie was selected to participate against some of the top foreign competition on April 20, which is Easter Sunday.

Trost My dad was an AD and had a stadium named after him…at Palatine HS in IL…I believe he would be on #TeamFowler just as I am on TeamFowler

Bill Savarino is one of the greatest student athletes in IHSA history. The Brother Rice legend went on to play at the University of Notre Dame. Are we helping or hurting student athletes? It’s time for school leaders to have some honest conversations.

Happy Sunday. Couple things today: 1. Make sure to watch the video. It will help you understand. 2. It’s Sunday, schools are closed. There could be high school games today. There could be high school practice today. But…you know what can’t take place today? Well wait…let

Tonight, the Right To Play Bill is one step closer to becoming law. Think about that: A law needs to be created, because a private third-party organization - which makes millions off student athletes - is restricting what student athletes can do in their free and weekend time.

For those wondering what the Right To Play Waiver Bill, this is a very balanced, straight forward story. Again, the key is this: All kids - not just some - will have the opportunity - if they like - to do charity and community events, too. Make sure you read to engage and

So we have movement from the IHSA, which officially submitted a suggested by-law change to the #ILSen on April 29 in order to get legislation halted in Springfield. The legislation would provide waivers to high school student athletes, and you can read more about the Right To

All night long, I’ve been talking to school leaders throughout Illinois - statewide. There is a very consistent theme: The IHSA knows it is close to losing its control. For years, it has controlled and owned student athletes and their families - especially on Sundays. It took

High school student athletes from the city and suburbs of #Chicago helped surprise two different second graders from military families with new bikes earlier this week. The effort was a part of the #MakingADifferenceOnANDOffTheField campaign in honor of #MonthOfTheMilitaryChild

Historic day for St. Laurence post its merger with Queen of Peace in 2017. Prior to the merger of the two Burbank high schools, Queen of Peace had never won a state trophy in softball but did capture three sectional crowns dating back to 1962. #IHSA

We are hours away from the final IHSA board of directors meeting for the 2024-25 school year. On Monday morning, this group will come together once again and go through general checklist items before having discussions on how to help enhance items for the upcoming and future

Brad Guzan, broken cheek bone and all - having played one less game than the rest - is leading the #MLS in saves this season. In a season filled with ups and downs for Atlanta United FC - especially countless defensive breakdowns - Guzan has done his best to lead from the back to help