Just Kickin’ It

Section 1 likely realigning leagues

December

It’s not official yet, but it sure looks like Section 1 schools are about to undergo a massive league realignment.

And you thought sports was a refuge from the perils of the new economy.

It seems this recession has gotten its tentacles into high school sports as well, prompting a drastic response from Section 1 schools. Starting in the fall, the leagues for most sports are expected to be completely reconfigured. Geography, not school size or team competitiveness, will be the overriding factor. That means you could be seeing current Class C programs like Haldane in a league with Class AA programs like Ossining, because they’re both on Route 9.

While the teams will still split into their proper classes for playoffs, get ready to see a lot more blowouts than before. Especially in sports like hockey and lacrosse, where power leagues have kept games close until now. Now you’ll be seeing developmental teams getting murdered twice a year by elite teams.

I’m sure no AD is crazy about the idea, but economic realities make it necessary. Budgets have to be cut. Gas and other travel expenses cost thousands of dollars a season. The new alignment will greatly reduce travel time and distance.

Read Harold Gutmann’s story for all the details.

This entry was posted on Friday, December 26th, 2008 at 11:27 am by Jake Thomases. Print | Email

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