The Arizona Coaches Association has optimism in the air as the 2005-2006 school year begins. The Association will celebrate its 60th year in 2006 and plans are underway to make the Summer All Star Classic one of the most festive in years. Coming off successful games this summer in the City of Surprise and at Eastern Arizona College, the ACA looks to make the All Star games even better for the anniversary games. Plans are now underway to include more sports and more athletes in the festival format. Please watch for news releases and updates at the website to stay informed of the exciting events planned. You can get information at the All Star link located at www.azcoach.net.

The ACA awarded Coach of the Year Awards and Scholar-Athlete awards in a luncheon in May. The scholarship luncheon has been generosity sponsored by Touchstone Energy and honors our outstanding student-athletes. Watch for updates on that event for the 60th Anniversary.

In addition, the ACA will support more coaches clinics to keep coaches informed and educated in their profession. It is an awesome responsibility to coach and we want to help our coaches make the best decisions for their athletes. We want coaches active, involved and informed.

Youth clinics are being added in communities to prepare children for sports, as well as to send the message of good health. Our ACA coaches and athletes will be helping communities encourage good fitness habits through sports. Childhood obesity is a concern and the ACA is here to help with the activity portion of that problem. In addition, the ACA will launch a search for the top 60 Coaches in the history of Arizona high school athletics. Visit the Current Events link at the website to cast your vote before December 1, 2005. A direct link is http://www.azcoach.net/board/viewtopic.php?t=314

We will also choose the top coach of ? of a century for a national feature with Scholastic Coach magazine. One candidate from each state will be considered. Candidates must have been coaches in the state for 15 years. They can be male or female, alive or deceased, and can be coaches from any high school sport. Please visit the website to cast your opinion before December 1, 2005, under the Current Events link of www.azcoach.net. Again, a direct link is http://www.azcoach.net/board/viewtopic.php?t=315

While you are at the discussion board, please weigh in on the Division I and II classifications. What do you think? The ACA is also working to help athletes get noticed and recruited from our high schools into college. The ACA has signed a deal to make recruiting costs effective and credible. Please visit the website soon for details on that.

There will be an update at the coaches selection meeting on December 11, 2005. Please make plans to attend that meeting. As always, please visit the website for details and updates.

The upcoming year is full of optimism. Make sure you are a part of the action!