- What is Austin Wildcats Basketball Inc. About?
The Austin Wildcat Basketball program was started in the Spring of 1999 by a handful of parents to give our kids and the children of Austin an alternative to select basketball, but still ensuring that all participants have the skills to play basketball competitively in Middle and High School. The Wildcats are a preparatory program and are not a select team, all boys and girls in grades 4th though 11th are eligible to participate. Currently, the program includes kids from a wide range of public and private schools in the greater Austin and surrounding area. The program relies solely on the dedication of volunteer coaches, parents, and students, as well as the continued support of the staffs at O. Henry and Covington Middle Schools.
- What is Austin Wildcats Basketball Inc. Mission Statement?
To prepare kids to play competitive basketball in Middle and High School and to compete in life after basketball.
- What is Austin Wildcats Basketball Inc. Philosophy?
The Austin Wildcat Basketball program is designed to instruct participants on how to play basketball by improving fundamental skills and game knowledge. This is a preparatory program with emphasis on practice and hard work rather than games or tournaments.
- Who is eligible to participate?
All boys and girls who are currently in grades (4th) fourth through (6th) sixth are eligible to participate in the Junior Wildcat Program at either O.Henry or Covington Middle Schools. Boys and girls who are currently in grades (7th) seventh through (12th) twelfth are eligible to participate in the Senior Wildcat program at Covington Middle School.
- Are there tryouts?
There will be no tryouts for the Austin Wildcat Basketball Program. Any Player wishing to attend practices is welcome; however this program is not for all players. Tournament teams are selected by the coaching staff based on; ability, effort, sportsmanship and attendance at practice. Every practice should be considered a tryout to participate on one of the select tournament teams.
- What days & where is practice?
Consult the current Calendar
- What is the policy for practice attendance?
The foundation of a player’s skill and game knowledge is built through hard work and constant practice; it is helpful, but not mandatory that all participants attend every practice. However, one to the program’s primary goals is to be extremely understanding of family vacations, school priorities, additional sports, and other life events that might supersede basketball.
- What is the policy for tournaments?
Select teams will be formed from the top players in each age group to compete in local select tournaments. Players will be selected by the coaching staff based on; ability, effort, sportsmanship and attendance at practice. Every practice should be considered a tryout to participate on one of the select tournament teams. Not all players who attend the Wildcat practices will necessarily be invited to participate on one of the tournament teams. If an age group has enough qualified players to fill more than one team, additional teams will be added as additional coaching becomes available. The cost for a player to participate in an outside tournament is not included in the program cost listed below. The tournament fees and any other associated fees will be divided evenly among those players who wish to participate.
- What is the policy for outside leagues?
From time to time the program will enter teams into basketball leagues at the Dove Springs Recreation Center, the Austin Hoop Zone or others. Usually A and B teams will be form for these leagues with the same criteria as we form the tournament teams. The cost for a player to participate in an outside league is not included in the program costs listed below. The league entry fee and other associated fees will be divided evenly among the players who wish to participate.
- What is Saturday Night Madness?
The focus of the coaching staff is to increase our player’s basketball skills, as well as passion for the game. For this we have implemented “SATURDAY NIGHT MADNESS”, where participants can play pickup games with their teammates from the Austin Wildcats program without coaching, parenting, or officiating. The games are very competitive and highly supervised, but it is our goal that the kids learn how to play, manage and control the games themselves. This is not meant to be social time, but rather a time for kids to come and play competitive basketball with out being micro-managed by others.
- Who is the coaching staff?
The coaching staff is made up entirely of volunteer coaches, students and parents.
- Are there guest coaches?
It is the intent of the program to provide outstanding guest coaches to supplement the practices, tournaments, leagues and games. In the past we have had some magnificent guest coaches like Rick Barnes of the University of Texas, Chris Odgen current graduate Asst. Coach and former UT player, Brandy Perryman, Coach and former UT player, and many more.
- How much are membership fees/dues?
There will be no membership dues and admission fees due.
- What are the program costs?
There will be no membership dues and admission fees due.
FALL PROGRAM COST:
The cost for the Austin Wildcat Basketball Fall 2005 season (Mid-September to Mid-December) is $ 125.00 per participant.
SPRING/SUMMER PROGRAM COST:
The cost for the Austin Wildcat Basketball Spring and Summer 2006 season (beginning of March to Mid-July) is $ 130.00 per participant.
- Are Scholarships available?
A select number of partial scholarships are available for players who wish to participate, but do not have the financial means to pay one hundred percent of the program cost. Please follow this link for more information of the scholarship program.
- What is the refund policy?
THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS. This program is not for everyone and is only for those players who have the desire to work hard and the dedication to improve.
- What is the policy for prorated fees?
It is not intent of the staff to prorate fees for players who wish to join the program during an ongoing season.
- Where can I get more information?
Check the Austin Wildcats Basketball, Inc. Bulletin board.
Contact Us via email
