In high school, league status always a sensitive issue

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By Marc F. Pendleton, Staff Writer 10:54 PM Friday, October 21, 2011

High school athletic league affiliation is a sensitive issue when addressing who wants in, who wants out and who might fit better elsewhere.

We’re reminded of this following an in-depth look at Sidney, a charter member of the Greater Western Ohio Conference. The Yellow Jackets are mired in an 0-19 football slump with a game remaining against the North Division’s other best team Troy following Friday’s loss to unbeaten Trotwood-Madison.

Many who are close to Sidney’s program acknowledge a multitude of problems. There are no simple — or quick — answers.

Sidney isn’t the only area school wondering what if. Tippecanoe probably would be granted a quick release from the Central Buckeye Conference if it asked. Ideally, the Red Devils should be in the Southwestern Buckeye League and renew closer rivalries.

Sometimes a new league enhances a program. Fenwick is in its sixth year of play in the Greater Catholic League North Division. To label the Falcons as not quite ready to square off with Alter, Chaminade Julienne and Carroll at the time doesn’t quite do justice to Fenwick’s jump from the defunct Mid-Miami League.

Now, Fenwick has more than held its own in all boys sports. The Falcons still aren’t on a level with Alter football, but few teams are. Those games are competitive and getting closer.

That’s a great example of a smaller school “playing up.” There are growing pains, but eventually the level of competition evens out.

Sometimes a switch in conferences works, sometimes it doesn’t. That’s a sensitive issue that always needs to be handled with care.

Contact this writer at (937) 225-2381 or mpendleton@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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