My president, Tim Rappe, here at the Chicago Bulls/White Sox Training Academy shared three articles from the Friday, December 4th Daily Herald with me today. The articles are in the "Talking Points" section and the articles are headed: "Rule gives freshmen the opportunity for smooth transition,"by Michael Meissen. The other two are: "It just makes sense," written by Josh Weige and "A good idea in theory, not practice," by Orrin Schwarz. Michael and Josh is in favor of the rule and Orrin is not. The articles are highlighting the no-cut rule for freshman in Glenbard District 87. All three articles are interesting and I encourage you to read them. You can go to www.dailyherald.com if you do not have the newspaper.

Even though Orrin Schwarz is not in favor of the "freshman participation rule", he explains that there are other alternatives for high school students to play sports. Orrin mentions the Bulls/Sox Training Academy where we do have programs designed for high school players that have been cut from their respective basketball teams. We have designed a High School Draft League that begins January 7, 2009 and ends on February 11, 2009. The program meets on Wednesday nights for six weeks from 8:00pm-9:30pm at the Bulls/Sox Training Academy. Our goal is to improve the player's confidence and skill level in efforts to help them prepare to make their respective high school team next season.

The Bulls/Sox Training Academy also provides individual and semi-private Private Instruction and Specialty Camps. (Guard/Post Play, Power Moves, Shooting and Ball Handling Camps) You can register your child on-line at www.bullssoxacademy.com or call Kate Mc Govern at (630) 324-8237 for more information.

Our High School Draft League is designed for players that have been cut from their respective high school team. The individual and semi-private instruction and specialty camps are for all players. You can take private instruction or participate in specialty camps while playing on your high school team. It is important for you as a high school player to work on your game individually to excel. High School Coaches rarely have time to help players with their individual weaknesses, but to expect their players to be prepared when called on. Remember, you MUST be ready when your number is called!

Basketball players that did not make their high school team, you can do it! Don't give up! There is no substitute for hard work and the basketball staff at the Bulls Academy is here to help you.

We look forward to seeing you on the court this winter!

Yours in Basketball,

Coach Stewart

Have a great weekend.