March 11 , 2008

Bowling Green 'Hosts' Houchens
KHSAA Girls' Sweet 16

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – What does hospitality mean in Bowling Green? Well, for starters, it means get in line! A local host program has been happening behind the scenes for nearly twenty years now, and that program currently has a waiting list.

Each March, Bowling Green prepares to host one of the state’s largest athletic events; the Houchens Industries/ KHSAA Girls’ Sweet Sixteen Tournament. All across town businesses are getting ready for the thousands of people who will be visiting our city for the prestigious event.

Arena management personnel at WKU have their hands full going over daily schedules so that things run smoothly at E.A. Diddle Arena. Area restaurants are beefing up their staff schedules and inventory in preparation for extra business during the four days of the tournament. Local hotels are gearing up for full occupancy, and those hosting a team are coming up with fun ways to help build the excitement. At the Convention & Visitors Bureau, staff is busy collecting and assembling items for 500 goodie bags to be distributed.

However, for sixteen very special SOKY families who participate in the Host Family Program, March is a time to roll out the red carpet for their respective region’s winning team. The program matches one very giving, enthusiastic and community centered family with each of the teams traveling to Bowling Green for the tournament. From simple tasks such as giving directions to cheering their teams on from behind the bench, these hosts are truly a testament to the hospitality of our community.

The job starts right after a regional champion is crowned, usually with a congratulatory call from the host family to the school’s athletic department. Next, it’s on to the team’s hotel to meet them upon arrival, where shortly after the welcomes and introductions are passed around, the coaches quickly store the host family’s contact numbers in their cell phones. For the next few days, having these numbers helps relieve a lot of stress that comes with being in the state tournament.

David and Miki Wiseman, who have been part of the program for over ten years, said some of the ways they help to put the team at ease is by securing practice sites or setting up meals. “One year, we had to assist a player with getting in to see a doctor. She had flu symptoms and was physically drained,” explained David. Being such great hosts, not only did they find a doctor, they knew of an area physician who was originally from the team’s hometown!

It is more than being a community liaison though; the responsibilities come with a sense of pride. Gary and Sharon Dillard have been hosting a team for many years, and Gary said Bowling Green’s Host Family Program is known across the state. “It got started when the city hosted the Sun Belt Tournament years ago,” he continued. “It was received so well, we decided to continue doing it for the KHSAA tournament because it truly sets Bowling Green apart.”

And the rewards aren’t so bad either. The Wiseman’s team won the tournament last year, and they said seeing the players’ excitement is probably their fondest memory of all. For the Dillard’s, their team was first runner up and they received a signed basketball and flowers from the players as a token of gratitude. “We hear stories of different players and teams, the hardships they’ve overcome. It is just fantastic that they get the opportunity to play in the tournament,” Gary said.

The ‘unmentioned’ silver lining to hosting the Houchens/ KHSAA Girls’ Sweet Sixteen is the exposure it brings to WKU. Regulations from the Kentucky High School Athletic Association and even the NCAA strictly forbid recruiting efforts during the tournament. “We have to be extremely careful to not go beyond regulations,”David said. “You’re even afraid to tell the players you hope to see them on the Hill one day.”

We will just have to hope the overall positive experience of the tournament and time spent in Bowling Green leaves a lasting impression on these players, as well as the staff members and fans. The memories from such a prestigious event will undoubtedly last a lifetime. With the continued overwhelming support of title sponsor Houchens Industries, in addition to the generosity of dozens of contributing businesses, hosting the tournament hopefully will continue for years to come.

So if you make a trip out to Diddle Arena March 12-15 to check out some of the brightest young athletic talent in the state at this year’s Houchens/ KHSAA Girls’ Sweet Sixteen, do not get upset when you see some locals cheering on the competition! They are busy representing the entire community, and that is Southern hospitality, Bowling Green style!

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