[Koko Ed]

The first thing is finacial stability. It is very hard to run a team when you are unsure of where the money is comming from. There's a reason there is only 5 orginal teams left. Becasue their sponsors had their back and the other teams did not.
Next you need a strong nucleus of mentors who will keep the team going year after year after year. They set the agenda, maintain team focus and set the examples for the students to follow.
You need the constant and firm blessing and support of the school (or schools) becasue if the school or district do not care about the team it is amazing how qucikly and horribly a team can die no matter how strong the tradition or how much money they get.
And last but definately not least you need a nucleus of dedicated student leaders who will provide leadership and prime examples to newbies who will become future team leaders.