IHSSN Update

The Calm Before the Storm
I took a half break this weekend to clear my head, develop ideas, and lay an outline of the next few weeks. In addition, preparation for the upcoming quest for 150 basketball broadcasts. It was a beautiful final weekend, taking time to burn some energy on the basketball court and run a couple miles of hills at Lake Argyle. For some reason, taking a run out in the wilderness is great energy for the mind. I used to run at the state park at least four times a week a couple summers ago. My house was also looked at three times this weekend, which is a huge plus. If sold before November, it would dramatically decrease my fuel expenses, and increase my time to devote to IHSSN after each broadcast.

Big News for IHSSN.net
When I developed the Illinois High School Sports Network in December of 2008, my main goal was to create a website where high school sports fans could find that had online broadcasts for games all over the state. In the long term, I would like to provide schools that don't normally receive exposure through radio or online broadcasting with that opportunity through IHSSN. The website has looked very archaic, but my immediate concern is with getting my visitors the most comprehensive coverage that I can provide. As my visitors have grown since the inception of IHSSN, I have found that it is time to invest in a more professional look to the website. Currently, I create, design, and update everything on the website. I know the extreme basics of doing this, and that is why it looks very choppy and unprofessional. That will all change in the next month. I am pleased to report and much smoother design is coming for IHSSN.net. A website that will be easier to navigate, and should provide more content in the future, due to some easier controls on my end. I put more time in searching for a web designer to do this, than any of the vehicles I have purchased. Finding someone who knows every facet of website design, and more importantly has a sports background was crucial. I have teamed up with 618football.com and illinoispigskin.com creator Donnie Laur over the past year and a half. He has been instrumental in teaching me some basics about websites, and social networking. We have shared information with each other, and he knows exactly what to do in regards to building a website geared towards high school sports. It seemed a natural fit.

Practices Begin This Week
Wednesday marks the first day of practices for the fall sports across Illinois. The final previews will be published today (Sunday), and then focus will turn to practices mid-week. My coverage schedule to hit the fields and gyms will be interesting. The Galesburg cross country teams will hold a midnight madness event late Tuesday night, into Wednesday. I will turn my sleep schedule upside down in covering that event. On Wednesday, my tentative football practice schedule will take me to Monmouth-Roseville and Galesburg. Thursday, I plan to hit United High School for the end of their football practice, and the start of their afternoon volleyball practice. Both teams made deep runs last fall. The Red Storm football team made the Class 1A quarterfinals, while the volleyball team finished (36-1), falling in the sectional semifinals. Friday and Saturday are up in the air.

The Quest for 150
In addition to the fall season rapidly approaching, I am aiming at securing some final details for the quest for 150 play-by-play basketball broadcasts. One thing I am seeking out his a clever name. If anyone can think of one, please post below in the comment section.