What is your favorite state championship venue?

By Dan Malone

June 14, 2012

It is a common message that we often preach to current and potential clients, fellow employees and even to state associations, that high school sports are so unique. You often see this message in the news through a wonderful act of sportsmanship, a community getting behind a local team or even a group of students honoring a member of the school. I could not agree more that these are phenomenal acts that only promote the high school sports experience. However, as the 2011-2012 athletic year wraps up this weekend, I wanted to take a minute to and reflect on something that I find very unique about high school sports and our work here at Home Team Marketing…the unique venues where state associations host championship events.

Two weeks ago, as I sat at the OHSAA state softball tournament, I kept thinking that this is likely the last time most of these athletes will play an organized sport and what a phenomenal way to go out. The venue was packed, fans were on their feet, the girls in the dugout were chanting…it could not get any better (and of course our sponsors were well represented). I later discovered that Babe Ruth even played at this facility! You cannot beat that for history and atmosphere combined into one.

That brings me to today. With the conclusion of the school year upon us I wanted to have some fun with my post. From NFL stadiums to a 90 year old ball park that the Sultan of Swat played at, state associations have some of the best and most unique host sites in the country. I have been to a number of venues in my time with HTM, but look forward to traveling each year to new and unique ones. So with that said, I wanted to raise a question…what is your favorite state championship venue?

Stories that Make Spectators and Sponsors Smile

By Cheryl Roche

There aren’t many sponsorship opportunities at the professional sports level or through traditional media that can make a corporation feel as proud as those who sponsor high school athletics.  This was witnessed just this week when a sophomore runner for West Liberty-Salem High School carried her opponent across the finish line after collapsing during the 3,200-meter race at the Ohio High School Athletic Association Track and Field Championships.  This selfless athlete not only helped the fallen foe to the finish line, but assured that she crossed the line first, leaving herself in last place. 

http://espn.go.com/high-school/track-and-xc/story/_/id/8010251/high-school-runner-carries-fallen-opponent-finish-line

This feel-good story is just one of many at the high school level that shows genuine sportsmanship.  And it’s these types of tales that really resonate with fans as well as with anyone in the community who has the opportunity to see or hear how high school athletes are demonstrating respect and honor toward competitors, on the fields and in gyms across the country. 

High school students participate in athletics for the excitement, socialization and competition it brings.  But throughout this experience, they are also building character and self esteem. This recent heroic encounter is a perfect example of the real-life situations that these students come across.  But with many high school budgets being cut, the athletic and activity programs that provide these valuable lessons of teamwork, sportsmanship and dedication are becoming more and more difficult to fund. 

High school athletics is a great choice for corporations who are looking to direct sponsorship dollars toward cause-related marketing.  Their support can help struggling schools make sports more affordable for student-athletes.  With a portion of their investment going directly back to the school or state association that they support, corporations can take pride in their efforts to help keep high school athletics and activities alive.  Their involvement can make a huge impact on the lives of these students and in the communities where they study, work and live. 

In return, the community recognizes and appreciates this assistance.  There is a strong affinity for corporations that give back to the community.  According to a Survey conducted by Turkey Research in 2010, 76 % of high school sports fans agree that they make a conscious effort to support sponsors of their local high school’s athletic department.  It’s a win, win - - for the schools and the sponsors!