BleacherCoaches.com

UPJ, Districts.....no

Wrestling doesn't draw what basketball draws on a per event basis. Windber doesn't get packed until the finals. With rental of UPJ for Fri night and ALL DAY Sat (equivalent of 4 basketball doubleheaders) the rental fee would be double what they pay for basketball and the basketball crowds are bigger. Simple economics.

If/When D5 begins getting near sell outs for Fri night and Sat AM/Aft and has to lock the doors for Sat. night, then you might see a move.

It would only make sense for the finals on Sat. night.

Before and Wrestling fans jump down my throat, D5 committee doesn't rent UPJ for Quarterfinals or Semifinals in basketball and that is the equivalent of Fri night and Sat. AM/Aft. Obviously moving to another venue for just the finals in wrestling wouldn't be feasible either.

This has never come up at D5 meetings. Just one persons opinion.

By the way, next years Wrestling brackets have not been developed but don't be shocked if D5 loses it's third regional qualifier. Numbers do not support D5 getting a third qualifier. D6 has more than twice as many AA Wrestling schools next year and D7 has more than three times as many so if D5 maintains it's third spot it will be out of the kindness of these two districts hearts and may have a lot to do with 5-3 performances this weekend.

Wow, D-5 losing it's third place qualifier bid to regionals. That is sure to stir up some controversy. Does that mean then HR, that D-6 and D-7 are taking more than just 3rd place finishers to the regional tournament ??

Did you hear of the new weight loss program??? Just go watch the district 5 finals in Windber.... You can sweat it off.

I heard the guy sitting behind us Saturday say this. I thought it was pretty funny. He said next year he is going to advertise this. If you wasn't there you wouldn't understand.

It figures that it all comes down to money. Never mind that they cram too many people in that fire trap for a gym in Windber. The PIAA is all about making money. No offense HR but that's it.

D5 has to pay for all of those "working lunches" they have a Rizzo's and the Arena 5 times of month! If the committee thought a little more about the atheletes and the fans safety and enjoyment it would be a no brainer to move districts to UPJ.

HR, you mean there is no "Palumbo" factor keeping districts at Windber?

Windber has a nice gym. Seats a good bit does not it. Palumbo has to be the main factor though. Rumor has it they changed District 5AA bball playoffs because Windber almost did not make it last year. The new .500 regular season rule.

Southie: I disagree, if it all came down to money we wouldn't be using UPJ for the Dist. basketball finals, they would go back into HS Gyms like they used to. Committee also spent a lot of money upgrading the Dist. Track meet (Rental for FAT, additional officials, etc.) so I think they do look out for kids. I'm not saying that money is not a factor...Do you realize the PIAA and all the districts were sued 3 years ago and it cost each district big bucks...The Kemmether case. Some districts nearly went bankrupt. The District committee has to balance what is best for kids and what they can handle financially just like a school district does. As for the meals during meetings...It's 5 times a year not 5 times a month and what committee members receive is pale compared to the time they spend at events, on subcommittees, etc. Somebody close to you should be very well aware of that and I would be disappointed if that person were "anti" PIAA at this point after having viewed it from the inside. Also, do you realize that the D5 committee pays all of the member schools in D5 yearly dues?? That does not happen in other districts. In return schools who are asked to host events often do not charge or charge minimal rental fees for playoffs so it is a win/win situation. What other HS gym would host District Wrestling?? District Wrestling was at Windber long before the Palumbo era.

Bottom line is you have to remember the Revenue sports carry all the non-revenues....Foot, Bask, and Wrestling are the only ones that make profit to pay for medals, officials, etc. for Tennis, Track (Yes Track loses money), Baseball, Softball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, and Volleyball. So yes, money is a concern....can't buy medals for the 5th place golfer if they don't make money somewhere.

PRL: Totally UNTRUE...I can guarantee you. In fact Bedford and Everett opened this possibility up last year as a result of being over .500 and not qualifying. It's a good move and shows that Palumbo and the committee (Palumbo is only 1 vote) is open minded to change for the betterment of kids and schools. Let me also inform any Palumbo bashers out there that he alone is the sole reason we have a second AA basketball team in both Boys and Girls qualifying for States this year. Let's just say he worked a deal and he's done it for other sports also.

If I sound a little defensive it's because I am. I see this man travel all over the state and bust his butt for the betterment and to protect the interests of the smallest District in the state and then people who don't really know criticize him.

Whoa, HR, didn't mean to fire you up that much. Just wanted to create some interesting commentary on a boring Wednesday in Feb. I'm not anti-PIAA, but it has some problems but its better than the state legislature running things.

*Laughing* I'm alright southie, but you did get me going...wasn't that the purpose..."stir things up a little bit"...no prob you know I respect your opinions and differing opinions make the world go around. I think PR's post about the bball playoffs changing because of Mr. Palumbo is what really got me fired up...especially with all the b.s. I've endured this year due to Bedford not making the boys playoffs--another controversy that I have strong beliefs about.

seems all of us can be pushed into anger pretty easy these days