FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- November 4, 2003 
CONTACT: Jason Mucher, Sports Information Director (585) 567-9559

HOUGHTON HOSTS BASKETBALL COACHES CLINIC

HOUGHTON – Fifteen high school basketball coaches from 12 area schools were able to learn from each other and from college coaches at the first Houghton College Basketball Clinic held recently at the Nielsen Physical Education Center.

Houghton head men’s basketball coach Brad Zarges said the clinic was a great professional development opportunity for new coaches and veteran coaches looking for new ideas. “By sharing ideas and knowledge, each participant and presenter increases their understanding of the game of basketball,” said the fifth-year coach.

Schools represented included Campbell-Savona, Randolph, Geneseo, Keshequa, Franklinville, Houghton Academy, Fillmore, Whitesville, Cuba-Rushford, Oswayo Valley, Pioneer, and Scio. Several other coaches were intending to come but had conflicts with fall sports.

During the clinic Zarges presented details of his team’s transition offense and associated drills and women’s head coach Skip Lord shared on the details and benefits of patterned/continuity offenses. Houghton’s men’s and women’s varsity players assisted with the demonstrations.

The day also featured a presentation by former Whitesville and Wellsville boys’ varsity coach Wally Amphlett, who shared reflections and plays from his 20-plus years of coaching.

In addition to the basketball knowledge that was shared, the clinic was also a way for Houghton College to build relationships with local schools, said Zarges. “We have had excellent relationships with many of these coaches already, but this clinic opened up some new ones with coaches from schools that we have not traditionally interacted with.”

Lord agreed. “We are really privileged to be located where we are. This opens doors for friendships that expand into other areas,” said Lord. “This is just one small way for us to return a bit of what the Southern Tier has done for us.”

The Houghton coaches expect this to be an annual event. Feedback from all participants was positive.

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