Coach Jatin Patel poses with students.

By Balbir Singh
University of Indianapolis joined three other universities/colleges in the state of Indiana to launch cricket education program based on American Cricket Federation’s Cricket coaching curriculum for level 1 coaches in the United States as well as it includes ” Cricket Study Guide” (Indiana Physical Education teachers unveil statewide cricket education Study guide in 2013).

University of Indianapolis recently completed their cricket education course which is designed with the online study work with the take home quizzes, followed by two technical coaching sessions on basic cricket skills and also includes game preparations as well as rules and game needs. Last two practical sessions were held at their Key stadium (home of Greyhound football & soccer full turf field) with technical skill and on field coaching sessions which qualify for the ACF Level-1 National certification.

Participants at the coaching session.

Later 28 under graduate students with the sports management or exercise science as their major(s) tried to play short game on full size cricket field to understand game terminology and basic rules to become possible future cricket coaches.

University of Indianapolis became the fourth University/college (IU – IUPUI, BSU & Franklin College) to complete cricket education with coaching certification program during 2014-15 year, Indiana cricket education is on track with four colleges/universities have completed and/or re-running cricket education with the coaching certification.

The 4th batch (from University / college from Indiana) of Certified Cricket Coaches from newly designed program is Anglemeyer Brittany, Beasley Jordan, Brandes Michael, Cheek Madison, Cowan Ally, Cushman Alex, Fetherston Trevor, Herendeen Dalton, Johnson Stephanie, Kieffer Josh, Knollman Merdith, Lenihan Joe, Ling Josh, Loughmiller Steven, Mason Kevin, Mattox Zach, Mohr Brad, Mose D’lan, Remsburg Keegan, Schenck Carl, Shatto Jeff, Tabeling Bradley, Teglia Kevin, Voskou Christina, Wagner Matt, Webb Kara, Williamson Casey, Yocum Jacob. All students with the University of Indianapolis & faculty staff a member, Michael Sipe – Professor of Kinesiology, University of Indianapolis was also present on the occasion as well as attended entire coaching clinics. At the end of the session, Mr. Michael Sipe is certified for the ‘Basics of Cricket” as well as ACF Level 1 coach and become instructors for the future student coaches at the campus.
Jatin Patel, an ICC Certified and Cricket Australia level II Accredited coach (Director of coaching for ACF, United States Youth Cricket Association 2nd Vice-President) conducted both technical skill sessions, who pioneered this college course work and expanding to many other colleges & Universities in Indiana & USA. A next step after Indiana introduced school cricket training and a ‘Cricket Study Guide for the Physical Education Teachers’ during 2013.

Explaining the importance of such ongoing college projects and training in Indiana for the physical education coaches, Patel said “My view is that trained lecturers and professors at the University will teach cricket to many undergraduate students with the PE major for many years to come. In the future, those PE teachers may be working at one or more schools, but cricket will go with them and this is expected to help to grow the sport Cricket. In simple terms, as we are establishing the most productive and efficient way to explore cricket in North America, with the concept of lecturers and instructors training PE teachers, and then they will train many students every year for many years to follow at one or more schools during their working life span.”

Students keeps an eye on coach Jatin Patel.

“With the four completed college projects in Indiana during 2014, we are now able to finalize initial guidelines and standard plan for the cricket coaching education and training to fit the potential future PE Teachers (future) coaches in US Universities /colleges. A course work is now developed based on research, feedback and suggestions, as we get from the college students and faculty staff members, who are involved in the cricket education” said Jatin Patel, Inaugural Volunteer Award recipient for the American Cricket Federation and later elected as Development Representative & also chairman of Advisory & Judicial committee for the ACF. Mr. Patel is also Director of Coaching for American Cricket Federation to oversee nationwide coaching education, Accreditation, Training & Certification.

“Students from the University of Indianapolis were instructed in the sport of cricket by Jatin Patel. Jatin taught students the basics of cricket by demonstrating them several fundamental skills. Twenty eight students in the Teaching of Team Activities class participated in various drills. None of them had earlier seen or played cricket,” said Michael Sipe of Uindy

“Under the excellent direction of Mr. Patel the students learned the skill progressions that led them to play a modified game. Jatin’s expertise made the learning curve very high for the class. Cricket is progressing in University of Indianapolis thanks to Jatin Patel,” said Michael Sipe, Professor of Kinesiology, University of Indianapolis.
Source: http://sportswire4u.blogspot.com