IHSA Announcements
February 23, 1998
Elite Eight™ Tip-Off Banquets Added To Girls Basketball
BLOOMINGTON — Players and coaches from each of the teams advancing to the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Girls State Final Basketball Tournaments will be recognized at special Elite Eight™ Tip-Off Banquets.
The banquets will be held at the Normal Holiday Inn each Thursday evening prior to the respective tournament. Each will begin at 7:00 p.m. The Class A Elite Eight™ Tip-Off Banquet will be Thursday, Feb. 26. The Class AA Elite Eight™ Tip-Off Banquet will be Thursday, March 5.
The two events are being co-sponsored by the Country Companies and the Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Each event is open to the public. Tickets are priced at $16.00 each. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the IHSA Office, at the Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, or by phone through the IHSA Office. Major credit cards are accepted by phone or in person at the IHSA Office. The IHSA Office is located at 2715 McGraw Dr in southeast Bloomington just off Lincoln Avenue. The phone number to use for credit card purchases is (309) 663-6377. The Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is located at 210 S. East St. just north of Bloomington City Hall. The phone number for the Bureau is (309) 829-1641.
"The growth of girls basketball in our state has been phenomenal," observed IHSA Executive Director Dave Fry. "Adding these Elite Eight™ Tip-Off Banquets is another step forward in providing well-deserved recognition for young women and their coaches. Fans of America's Original March Madness¨ will have a chance to meet and mingle with these outstanding people. This looks to me like a great opportunity to get the autographs of future super stars in women's athletics, business, education, whatever."
Lanny Slevin, voice of the IHSA Sports Report, which is carried on nearly 100 radio stations throughout Illinois, will serve as Master of Ceremonies for both banquets. Add A. Tude™, the new sportsmanship mascot of IHSA, is scheduled to make an appearance.