Joe Mitch

It's looking like it's going to be a very good year

By JOE MITCH / Executive Director
mitch@usbwa.com

The USBWA's annual membership drive is underway and prospects are such that this could be one of the best years ever for the organization.

The USBWA has already surpassed last year's 700 membership total, and with applications coming in at a steady pace, it' not too farfetched to think that total membership numbers by the end of the year could approach the organization's all-time high of 900 members.

Ted Gangi, who handles the USBWA's website, is largely responsible for increasing membership. He has been diligent about sending out emails to past members urging them to rejoin and seeking writers who have never been members before.

The USBWA directory listing contacts, e-mail addresses and phones numbers of every Division i institution – both men and women, along with the beat writers and broadcasters of every school in the country – is the greatest benefit of membership. The directory is a resource tool that every SID and writer covering college basketball must have.

USBWA members receive four issues of the organization's Tipoff newsletter during the season and seven issues of Basketball Times.

The Marriott Athletic VIP Card offers huge discounts at all Marriott properties remains extremely popular with members, as is the Discount savings Card from Hertz.

USBWA members vote on the organization's men's and women's All-America teams at the end of the season and are eligible to submit entries for cash awards in the USBWA's best writing contest.

So, there are lots of reasons to join the USBWA. Spread the word and take on this challenge: ’Contact one person in the profession and ask them to join.

It's easy and painless to sign up. Go to the USBWA website at USBWA.com and click on the link that says MEMBERSHIP. You can register online and pay with your credit card.

Or send or fax someone you know the membership application below and have them send it to the address listed with a check for $40 membership dues.

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Now is the time to begin thinking about candidates for the USBWA's annual postseason awards.

Nominations are now being accepted for the following: Hall of Fame, Katha Quinn and Most Courageous.

The Hall of Fame recognizes past and present members who have made significant contributions to the organization and the sports journalism profession.

The Katha Quinn Award is presented in memory of the former St. John's sports information director to someone who has excelled at servicing the media or provides an inspiration to sportswriters and SIDs.

The Most Courageous Award is given to a player, coach or administrator who has faced enormous challenges in life and demonstrated extraordinary courage.

All nominations can be submitted to me at mitch@usbwa.com.