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Tuesday, July 1, 2008
One on One w/ IHSAA Commissioner Blake Ress
Central Indiana, IN
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In a reoccurring feature, HSSTM’s Brian Moore sits down with Blake Ress to discuss the key moments from the past year, what’s ahead for the IHSAA and what the summer months hold in store for the state’s sanctioning athletic body.
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Moore: Over the past year, the IHSAA has made some changes of various impacts in several sports – for example, sectional realignments. Now that the school year is complete, what had the biggest impact? In other words, what do you think you’ve received the most feedback on from coaches, schools and communities since last August?
Ress: I get feedback, both pro and con, according to how people like something. I think, in general, it’s what happens behind the scenes here that has made the biggest change. Our internal technology, how we communicate with schools and officials, are done a lot more electronically. It’s a significant change, not only for the schools and the tournaments, but now tournament host sites (for sports like track and swimming) don’t have to type out all the names for heats and it’s a much faster process with less errors. So the thing that’s had the most significant impact is something that many don’t see. And I know that our Web casts, we were either the first or one of the first states to do that, have made a big impact on the sports that don’t typically get that kind of coverage.
Moore: There were some tremendous moments over the course of 2007-08 high school sports year. You’ve seen most of the great moments in person; which one stands out in your mind and why?
Ress: There’s always that athlete in an individual sport like wrestling that just has tenacity and a resolute look about them. The kids accomplish something, rising above expectations. But the crowd’s reactions and quick change of emotions are what always what I remember. Michelle McKeehan of Center Grove, when she broke the national record in the 100 breaststroke, the crowd’s reaction to her was a really special kind of moment. And, of course, the Brownsburg – Marion state basketball championship game in 4A. The crowd just erupted. I’m not emotionally involved with any team, but for those who are, it’s either deflating or elating.
Moore: What are your main goals over the summer months? What work do you put at the forefront of your schedule?
Ress: In June, the executive staff here at the IHSAA meets and take two days away from the office to talk about what happened over the year, good and bad, and what we’d like to accomplish. I think too many times, in any job, people worry too much about maintaining the status quo and I think that’s regression. You have to always be moving forward. The idea is to evaluate the past year and then decide what we want out of the future. Then, we meet with the board of directors to get their feedback on issues and ideas. July won’t be terribly busy here, but we have to be ready to go in August. That time away gives some perspective and new energy to some ideas and concepts we’re working on.
Moore: With the 2008-09 school year quickly approaching, what can student-athletes, coaches and parents except to see change in terms of rules for certain sports or anything else this year?
Ress: Nothing really big. We’re working a lot on safety issues and officiating, as far as technology and other issues with officiating that need some focus placed on them. And we’ll have a new Web site this fall.
Moore: Recently, there has been some discussion about proposing a move from four classes to three for several sports. What are your thoughts, either good or bad, on this idea?
Ress: I know it’s an idea that athletic directors are trying to survey other AD’s in the state on. I think that the discussion is good and a debate on classes is healthy. In my experience, when all is said and done, most people will react on how it will affect their school. We can talk about philosophy and transportation, but when it comes down to it, it matters most to people how it affects them. When you look at the overall picture, one-third of the schools in each class is getting bumped up or down depending on enrollment and it will certainly affect some schools. In the end, 50 percent will be for it and 50 percent will be against it. And if that is true, why would you change it? I don’t know if it will ever happen, but if it does, we’ll do what the schools want.
Moore: You’ve been the Commissioner of the IHSAA since July 2000, serving as the seventh commissioner in the body’s history. And in almost 40-plus years of service, you’ve had numerous roles: coach, administrator, athletic director, meet director, referee and teacher. Out of all of that, what have you enjoyed the most, or what have you found to be an aspect that you are most proud of?
Ress: Your life takes strange turns that you would never anticipate it taking and I’ve really enjoyed all the positions I’ve had professionally. Along the way, when you get a new job, it reinvigorates you – and it seems like I’ve been an agent of change in each position I’ve held, hopefully for the better. I think it’s good that no one gets this job [commissioner] when they’re 30 or it would drive them crazy. Each step along the way teaches you something and how to handle all the pressure, so its water off a duck’s back. Without having gone through teaching, coaching and officiating, I would not be any good at this job. You have to be lucky along the way too and get the right job at the right time. No one ever sees the jobs you applied for that you wanted to get and you thought you were the right person for and didn’t get. I’ve finished second and third for jobs a heck of a lot more than I’ve finished first. But I wouldn’t change anything, because it always seemed like I was in the right place at the right time.
Moore: Have you thought about how long you will serve as Commissioner? Are there any big projects or things you’d like to take care of before stepping down?
Ress: Usually, I do something for eight to 10 years and then feel ready to move on. I like and enjoy this position, but I think the time is getting shorter. There are things that I want to see happen here that will never happen during my time, but I want to get them in motion. I think I would do a disservice to myself and the association if I said I was going to be here for “x” number of years – you have to always push the envelope. If I was leaving next month, I’d have to go full speed ahead until that last day. We’re getting closer to that point, though.
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