Trevor Young, Mike Young, Travis Hoover, and Josh McCloskey

[CRDomination05]

Trevor did what was necessary and we are all proud of him.

[wolverine2]

deuce 13'3 is state qualifying if they all would have cleared it we would have 3 at states

[duece2]

i think that if they would change the rules so if they would hit the state marks at another meet then they should get to go to states!


duece2

[bedfordpvaulter]

i agree i dont think that you should have to hit the qualifier at districts. You should be able to hit it any time throughout the year in any event.

[usatf oldguy]

A change in the rules sounds good,but then you really open the door to cheating.Most high school meets only have 1 piaa official and most events are run by kids or people who may not be familar with the events. So say one of the home team boys or girls is close to the mark you could in essence fudge it for them.Many times I have seen seedings for kids that are pure fantasy, and this would only open the fllood gates.Anyway you have to perform when the pressure is on. That's what makes sports great!

[Head Roadie]

Your correct usatf og, but here's an interesting concept. Have the PIAA certify a "few" meets around the state that could serve as state qualifiers on time, height, or distance if athletes make the SQS and do not otherwise qualify. It would take some pressure off of kids at districts and provide a safeguard for a foul weather week of district championships.

The WCC meet would be the most obvious choice in our area for that status but Bellwood Invite, NBCAA Meet might warrant consideration depending on how "deep" the PIAA would be willing to go.

Obviously the Ship Invite, Butler Inv., and Erie Inv. would warrant elite status like WCC as well.

[once a runner]

I agree usatf....allowing marks in any meet is a bad idea. Guys who run the 100 will be lining up to run at Windber with the wind at their backs. One option could be allow marks in meets that use FAT timing (like Ship, WCC, etc.). You could also take times and distances when time/measured by a PIAA official. Most dual meets are run by coaches of the schools and not officials. Documentation of the marks would require a lot of scrutiny. You should also have a provision that the qualifier places in the district meet. Otherwise it would be possible to have someone who hit the mark in April, get injured, and still show up at states even though they no where capable of hitting the mark at that time.

I would like to see all district champions plus anyone who has hit the standard during the year qualify. However, I don't see this happening because the PIAA likes knowing how many athletes will be competing in the state meet.

[usatf oldguy]

Like the idea HR, now if we could only sell it to Cashman and company.I think you could cut back some of the qualifiers from districts that get more than just one automatic qualifier. You could also alter the standard if necessary during the season by making coaches apply for the spots,for example if your athelete goes over the standard send a form to the PIAA within 48hrs.Then if the PIAA sees that there is going to be a glut in a particular event then they can take the proper amount to the state meet.Or you could beef up the standards slightly and you probably would'nt have a problem.If they would consider it however I think there should be a minimum number of PIAA officials at the said qualifier meets.Obviously I think FAT would be a must.They could keep a website with current qualifiers on it and if any adjustments were needed because of size of field evreybody would know.I think it's a grand idea and properly thought through and presented would be embraced by coaches.I think selling to the PIAA and bigger districts who already get 3 to 5 people per event going are the tough sell.