INDIANA WISHBONE ASSOCIATION
The Indiana Wishbone Association formed in 1984, at the University of Wisconsin River Falls. For years coaches from Indiana had traveled up to River Falls with numerous athletes to develop their skills with the Wishbone. Coach Mike Farley had been conducting these Wishbone Camps and they were the only thing that the Indiana Coaches had to improve the techniques of their athletes in the off season. The Indiana coaches were always talking about forming an organization that would promote the Wishbone. Finally, a group of about 6 coaches met at one of the local 'watering' holes at River Falls and forged the Indiana Wishbone Association. The first president of the IWA was Dave Templin, at that time head coach of Lew Wallace High School in Gary. The first vice-president was Joe Lorig, at that time head coach of Lowell High School, Lowell. The secretary/treasurer was and still is Jim Kiechle, at that time assistant coach of Lowell High School, Lowell, IN. The Board of Directors were nominated, Les Thornton, at that time head coach of Griffith High School, Griffith, IN., Bob Bridge, at that time head coach of North Miami High School, Denver, IN., and Russ Radtke, at that time head coach of North Judson High School, North Judson, IN.
Within a few weeks the IWA had a membership of 25 Indiana High School Coaches. The goals of the IWA were to provide a medium to exchange ideas and to promote the Wishbone offense. The association planned to have an annual clinic and produce a newsletter. Over the years the membership has grown to 175 members from 27 states, Canada and Australia. We produce a newsletter four times a year, in January, March, June and August. Because of increased postage and duplication costs of the MESH POINT, the dues were increased to $10.00 starting with the 1998 January issue.
The First Annual Clinic was held at Griffith High School in 1986. With the exception of one year, we have had a clinic each year. The clinic is currently held at Miami County Fair Grounds, Community Center, conducted by Coach Bob Bridge and staff. The clinic has always been a place for coaches to present current philosophy and trends about the Wishbone.
The Indiana Wishbone Association branched out in 1991 to form the Indiana Option Camps, Inc. Indiana Option Camps started conducting camps at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. Taylor provided an outstanding site for the camp. In the eleven years that we have conducted the camp it has grown every year. The first year the camp started with 67 athletes. Since that time the IOC has grown to three session each year and nearly 400 athletes. The original camp started with six teams from Indiana. Today we have teams from Florida, New York, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Kentucky, and Indiana. It is sure to continue to grow because of the quality experience the athletes receive.
It is difficult to imagine that the Indiana Wishbone Association will be twenty years old in 2004. From small beginnings great things develop. The IWA and IOC are both viable organizations providing valuable information and skills to players and coaches alike.
If you've just finished reading this please drop me a note at kiechle@netnitco.net to let me know if this page is being read.
Thank you.
Jim Kiechle
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