Individuals representing the four sponsors of North Tama’s two new shot clocks were recognized last Friday evening between basketball games in the Redhawks Nest. Pictured left to right, Jeff Jacobs with Farmers Savings Bank and Trust, owner/broker Jammie Howard with Appraisal and Real Estate Services, Ed Hoeg with Pillar Insurance, and Dawn Breakenridge with the North Tama Athletic Booster Club. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

In the wake of a joint decision announced in August 2021 by the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) to introduce a 35-second shot clock for varsity basketball beginning with the 2022-23 season, North Tama held a dedication ceremony between games last Friday night to recognize the people and businesses who made the district’s two recently-installed shot clocks possible.

The same set of sponsors who supported the district’s previous scoreboard purchase stepped up again in support of the new shot clocks including Farmers Savings Bank and Trust, Appraisal and Real Estate Services, Pillar Insurance, and the North Tama Athletic Booster Club.

North Tama Athletic Director Taylor Wurth, Superintendent David Hill, and Secondary Principal Taylor Howard stood center court Friday evening to introduce the individuals representing the four entities including Jeff Jacobs with Farmers Savings Bank and Trust, owner/broker Jammie Howard with Appraisal and Real Estate Services, Ed Hoeg with Pillar Insurance, and Dawn Breakenridge with the booster club.

In addition to the sponsors, a $6,820 grant earmarked for basketball equipment upgrades from the Tama County Community Foundation made the required shot clock purchase possible.

According to an August 2021 press release, while the use of the shot clock in sub-varsity competition will be allowed it is not required. The new rule was implemented to encourage standardization among the states.