Having a kids program would be a great start. Trouble is that it's easier said than done.

When I was at Immaculata, we were getting interest at the high school level, but it was like pulling teeth to get kids interested in junior high. And while there was a club on the Fort at that time, good luck getting our kids interested. CYO basketball ruled.

Here in Iowa, it's all about feeder programs, four assistant coaches and lots of parental involvement. Trouble is that at some schools, that isn't possible. Here, not having a kids program makes you a failure.

Success has to be measured in relative terms. You take a program with no numbers and build it to the point that you're generating interest, getting kids out and getting some to state, you're a success. You take a program that's on the verge of greatness and win State championships, you're a success. You take a program that is winning State championships and maintain the status quo, you're a success.