The Future of Teams With Low Numbers

[Warrior1554]

Hey guys, what teams have you seen this year that have relatively small rosters? What are the outlooks for the future? (Will they eventually fold, or are there a lot of kids at the Junior high level)

[kmr]

I said it before but Bishop Carroll will have no more then 20 kids on next years team.

[richabolii]

With some of the schools losing all their games, or almost all of their games, year after year, do you think those teams will be able to keep boys coming out in the fall in order to survive? Which teams will sink first? I'm amazed that some of these teams have lasted as long as they have.

[TAHS92Alum]

I think it depends on the situation

I think Philipsburg had 24 on the varsity roster this year. However they have a large 9th grade class behind them. They chose to not move those 9th grade kids up early and keep them as a group. All it takes is some dedicated classes to stick with it. Bellefonte is another, the numbers are up and the talent is getting there. West Branch also comes to mind. Getting better and having more kids out.

[knowitall]

Will the PIAA start letting teams dress 7th and 8th graders for varsity?

[TAHS92Alum]

I think the true factor in football programs is going to be the expense of the sport itself. When you have a subpar season, the gate money is down, the concession money is down and the boosters really have a hard time raising money. So you take this limited funding and pay for buses, and equipment and jerseys, footballs, and coaches. It can be a strain.

The real killer might turn out to be the helmet recertification that needs done. And getting two years out of a helmet just makes it that much tougher at 200 to 300 a pop.

[Warrior1554]

I agree with the one point, if a team keeps losing year after year kids won't want to come up. A few years ago WB and PO had great seasons, WB winning 6 or 7 games, and PO winning like 9. But since then both teams have really went downhill. The two schools are relatively close, maybe a possible merger in the future? Who knows lol

[sonofpsycho]

7th and 8th graders are the next step as pathetic school districts sadly attempt to "retain their identity" as opposed to consolidating.

Warrior, how close are WB and PO. Here in Johnstown we have a brand new and centrally located Johnstown High School with 10 acres on which to expand. Ferndale is 3 minutes away from JHS. Conamaugh valley is 15 minutes away and Westmont is 15 minutes away. Enrollments at Ferndale, CV and Westmont are dropping like rocks and all are badly in need of new physical plants. Ferndale graduates 60 kids - many of whom pass Johnstown High on their way to Ferndale. CV may graduate 70 or so. Westy is down to maybe 120. Extracirrucular programs have been cut. No AP classes at Ferndale or CV. Westmont has a 4 1/2 day school week. Sport teams cannot compete. Yet mention consolidation and you get stoned.

[Warrior1554]

Psycho, PO and WB are about 7-8 miles apart. These two schools actually have joined men's soccer teams (because West Branch doesn't offer it anymore). I just see WB's numbers going down, and I wouldn't be surprised if eventually the two schools joined together. Kids are just lazy these days, its sad to see

[Blueandwhitefan]

I think the true factor in football programs is going to be the expense of the sport itself. When you have a subpar season, the gate money is down, the concession money is down and the boosters really have a hard time raising money. So you take this limited funding and pay for buses, and equipment and jerseys, footballs, and coaches. It can be a strain.

The real killer might turn out to be the helmet recertification that needs done. And getting two years out of a helmet just makes it that much tougher at 200 to 300 a pop.

Cost to the schools for football can be kept down if the parents stay involved. Penns Manor boosters are a great example. They hold a few fund raisers every year and have arguably the best concession tent in D6. There are people that come to the games just to eat. (listen to a radio broadcast or read other post on here that talk about the food). The boosters Built and then remodeled the press box and locker rooms. They also installed a 40 thousand dollar scoreboard. All at NO cost to the district. They also give money towards uniforms, equipment and field renovations. I agree the cost is way out of hand but if a small district like PM (one of the smallest in D6) can do it then the larger ones should be able too.