Will the IHSAA Realignment committee really solve the issue?
By: Justin Floyd
Recently the IHSAA contacted coaches around the state and enlisted the help of the IATCCC to organize participants in a special committee that will submit a proposal to the IHSAA to realign the state tournament in cross country. The committee was to be representative of the main school sizes in Indiana: 1000 students and less, 1000-2000 students and 2000 and above. IATCCC President Keith Iddings of Crown Point High School was happy that coaches from each IHSAA district and specified school size volunteered to serve on the committee. Coach Iddings said that he was “excited about those that were selected… and I’m impressed by the credentials of those who are serving.” The coaches on the committee are: Thom Smith, New Prairie: 4A District 1(852 students); Larry Stemmler, New Haven: 4A District 1 (1129 students); Keith Iddings, Crown Point: 5A District 1 (2532 students); Paige Brunner, Oak Hill: 2A District 2 (523 students); Terry Lakes, Marion: 4A District 2 (1259 students); Kent Graham, Noblesville: 5A District 2 (2502 students); Rob Abraham, Brown County: 3A District 3 (755 students); Steve Cotherman, East Central: 4A District 3 (1406 students); Rick Weinheimer, Columbus North: 5A District 3 (2034 students).
However, is this committee really the solution to the unbalanced tournament? My gut reaction was no but even I have room for hope. While the committee does not actually have the power to make any changes to the current system they will work to create a system that according to the letter sent out by IHSAA Assistant Commissioner Phil Gardner “will be made according to geography and a numerical balance between each sectional, regional and semi-state." And according to Coach Iddings “I don't believe they would create this committee if they were not willing to seriously consider our recommendation.” This change however, will not include adding a 5th semi state, so plans like this one from Steve Bain (5 Semi State Proposal) or one that would split Hamilton county is automatically out of the question. So why then do we even bother to put faith in the IHSAA that this situation will be rectified? To me, it is simple. Change doesn’t often come in one fell swoop even though many of us would like to see it happen over night. It often comes in increments and after subtle changes to the tournament structure a few years ago, they are back at the drawing board wondering how they can improve it again in 2011-2012. This should spark optimism in even the most bitter and pessimistic running fans in the state. Even though it may not happen for you runners during your high school career, it may happen for the next and really shouldn’t that count? Most of us stay in touch with the high school scene long after we have laced up our spikes for the last time; whether it be with friendships, coaching ventures, or just pure fandom. If we see the system change for the better over time, it will be better than not changing at all.
The committee will be meeting January 11, 2012 at the IHSAA office in Indianapolis where upon the committee members will bring their proposed plans or recommendations to create a singular proposal to present to the IHSAA.