Conference Tweeking(again)

[once a runner]

I agree that a D5 sports conference makes a lot of sense for all sports. It would work extremely well for the class A schools, but my question is what to do with the AA schools. There aren't that many AA schools in most of the sports. It would be ridiculous to have a conference with 3-5 schools and force them to find a lot of independent contests. If they were to play within the D5 class A conference, then Bedford would not be happy in weakening their competition. I think most of the AA schools in D5 would be fine with playing other D5 schools, but getting Bedford to leave the LHAC would be difficult.

[Bedrock]

Once hit the nail on the head. What would the AA schedule look like for Bedford in most sports? Southy and I have talked a little about this. Right now Ridge isn't real concerned about their golf or boys tennis schedules, but these are successful programs at Bedford that would be furious with a move. I believe there are two of the sixteen programs at Bedford that would like a move out of the LHAC. The other 14 are happy.
I feel for Ridge football's scheduling woes, but think their overall programs would have benefitted from staying put in the LHAC. It may work out for them in the near future.
As far as some of the schools coming to D5, I suspect most are just talk. Somerset however should come back now that their numbers are back at AA numbers.

[once a runner]

A very simple solution would be to move Bedford to D6 for all sports since they play in a D6 conference and allow Portage, Ferndale and Con. Valley to move to D5 since they play in a D5 conference. I still think Blacklick Valley would be better off playing in the heritage conference. If the Ligonier does combine with Laurel Valley they will be looking for at least one more school.

Bedford is clearly the biggest school in D5 and would receive more competition in D6. Somerset should stay in D6 for the same reason. I believe D5 could easily go to an all sports conference under these circumstances.

[usatf oldguy]

I'm not really trying to help or hurt any particular school.Just saying the money and interest would both be greater.By 2 divisions I mean a north and a south or east and west.I know the lack of AA schools is a problem but alot of other issues could be solved.I think the lhac has A to AAA in thier sports.I don't get why bedford tennis and golf would be upset they both play in the district 5 tourneys anyhow.They would have plenty of room to bring in tougher matches if they so desired.One of the worst things that every happened to bedford county sports was getting rid of the BCL.These games were the money makers for schools, lots of local interest ,even if the teams were subpar it was about pride and bragging rights.I think a district5 league could renew old rivalrys and if aligned properly save tons of time and travel and money.This crap of we don't get enough competition in this league or that league is a lame arguement.If you are good enough it doesn't matter what conference you come from ,you'll win the title.

[once a runner]

USATF, I don't disagree with what you said, but getting Bedford to leave the LHAC is a major stumbling block. I don't believe they would be willing to leave and that's their prerogative. However, if they wish to stay in that conference they should move to D6. This is a huge advantage for them to play in the LHAC and then enter the D5 playoffs. If Bedford feels more comfortable in a conference with D6 schools, they should compete in D6.

D5 should go to a conference setup and invite Bedford in the mix. If they refuse to join the conference and stay in the LHAC, then allow them to go play D6, but allow Portage, CV and Ferndale into D5. If you leave enough room in the schedule for each team to schedule independents there is no reason why rivalries can't be maintained and strength of schedule improved.

[El-Moldo]

It's like the Lambert Trophy in football. Penn State wins the trophy, but doesn't play eastern teams. They play in a mid-west conference and once in a while "sprinkle" an eastern team into their schedule. Bedford plays in one conference all year, then is rewarded by playing in "another" district during the playoffs. In both examples, they benefit from GEOGRAPHY, not talent.

[southpaw]

To clarify not to besmirch bam bam but I have talked to several coaches off the record from Bedford that want out of the LHAC. I've talked to school board members from Bedford that would like out of the LHAC. I have talked to parents and fans of Bedford Athletics and they want out of the LHAC. They are tired of going over the "mountain" multiple times a week especially in the winter. Bedford is the "red headed step child" in the LHAC they got booted out of their section they've been in to acomodate Carroll. The time is right to push for a D5 conference including Somerset and CK in D5 as both schools lie wholly or partially within D5.

Here is a current breakdown with this years enrollments (these will change in 2010 especially basketball)

Sport Boys teams/class. Girls
Cross Country 7-AA 6-AA
Football 3-AA 9-A
Volleyball 16-A 2-AA
Golf 11-AAAA
Soccer 15-A 1-AA 13-A
G. Tennis 7-AA
Basketball 16-A, 4-AA, 1-AAA 15-A, 6-AA
Wrestling 11-AA
Baseball/Softball 15-A, 5-AA 14-A, 6-AA
T/F 13-AA 13-AA
Boys Tennis 5-AA

Somerset is currently and should remain AA in Football, Wrestling, and Track. Claysburg is A/AA in all sports.

The Break down I would make would be East/West. Basically a Somerset County division and a Bedford/Fulton County Division. Tussey wouldn't have to make the trip to Turkeyfoot every year just once every several years. This idea was introduced by Virgil Palumbo years ago as the Southern Alleghenies Athletic Conference. It didn't take hold then but I think there is enough dissatisfaction to take another look at doing it.

[southpaw]

forgot to add...Bedford gate receipts are dreadful for LHAC events.

[Sideling Hill Fan]

Who is dissatisfied? Speaking for the 4 easternmost schools in District V which I feel I have pretty good knowledge about, they are happy with the dual SHL & ICC arrangement. An educated guess is that the triad of easternmost Bedford County schools are also happy.

Are Somerset County schools unhappy?

Or is this just a C.Ridge and Bedford issue? or just maybe a football issue because I certainly know of no problems associated with Basketball and Baseball leagues as they are currently arranged.

[southpaw]

I've talked to several coaches from Fulton County who are NOT enamored with the ICC/SHL arrangement.

To emphasize my point why have District 5 if we don't have a conference for D5? The way things are we should petition the PIAA to be part of D6.