CoachMack219

Based on this information, the end of a student's Junior year (or 6th semester) should be that July 1st/ first week of July deadline. Again, I wouldn't wait around for that information if I was a prospective transfer (or their parent), I would actively try to obtain that information as soon as possible, however possible.

Fair point for sure when looking at the whole of the situation of some South Bend area kids/ families. The only way families with a lack of support transfer to a different setting is with support from extended family, as you mentioned, OR through the coaching staff at the new (receiving) school which I am willing to bet happens more often across Indiana than we may like to admit. The receiving schools that are willing to play ball will benefit immensely from the IHSAA new transfer rule and those that remain "closed enrollment" (no matter who you are) will suffer.

If the kid can play, that "no transfers" policy is gonna disappear even faster than this policy appeared ESPECIALLY in school districts where athletics are valued on an equal, or greater, level as academics.

Early quote of the year candidate. 🤣

My guess is that if you're an incoming Senior looking to transfer, if you do so BEFORE the end of your last day of school as a Junior, that would qualify, by this definition provided, as "DURING their first six semesters of high school." At least that's how I would argue it in a court of law for a client of mine, if I were an attorney. Also, and I know there aren't TOO many of these, what if a school is on Trimesters (like Merrillville)? Does first 6 semesters AUTOMATICALLY mean first 3 years of High School? Or do kids in trimester schools have to transfer by the end of their Sophomore year due to wording? I know I personally wouldn't assume ANYTHING when it comes to IHSAA bylaws/ rulings.

Again, many thanks to @oldtimeqb's efforts so I can answer this new version of the question for you. Excluding what I would define as Chicago Metro (or close enough) I counted: 3A (513+): 41, give or take a school. 4A (810-1459): 31, give or take a school.

Christ (sorry church folks), I'll be back in a little while... Lmao

For sure was more 5A schools than I thought there would be. 6A seemed about what I would of guessed. But yes, the Illinois version (Morton East) of my alma mater (Hammond Morton), in name only. Lol I believe they have a very large Hispanic population and are traditionally good at soccer.

Thanks to @oldtimeqb's efforts I can answer this for you. Excluding what I would define as Chicago Metro (or close enough) I counted: 5A (1460+): 11 6A (2141+): 3

The Rochester Rockets are VERY good and have seen them anywhere between 3A and 5A. They were one of the programs I referred to in a previous post as one of the few outside of the greater Chicagoland area that is undeniably competitive. I've also heard some Illinois folks who believe Rochester's head coach is one of the best offensive minds in IL.

I guess I'm safe, for now.

I could get down with your provision MUCH more than I can with the currently proposed limited 30-day provision on Seniors.

Totally agreed.

Foxbat, I really like this schedule upgrade for Harrison. I would definitely consider it an upgrade as well given what it was to what it is now. No, it isn't the "strongest" of schedules but all you can do is your best and this appears to be the best you guys can do, for now, to steadily improve your program's schedule. Excited to see how it works out for the Raiders!

For sure there are other areas that could be considered "good" as far as sports are concerned. In terms of football, based on IHSA tournament history, that stranglehold is for sure just a little bit tighter. Private, public, parochial, it truly doesn't matter. The classes 4A-8A in Illinois continue to find a way to get to and/ or win the State Championship. The Quarterfinals of most brackets in those classes are filled with teams from the counties you've mentioned near Chicago metro. There are teams that can compete with anyone who are not part of those counties but NEARLY all of the best when it comes to football come from the aforementioned counties.

Why not? For sure better than living there. That's why I don't make a comment about living there even though you'd like to see me ousted. Lol

The definition as I used it: "Football played at the lowest of class levels (1A-3A) that could not compete with the level of higher class (4A-8A) football played in the greater Chicagoland (IL) area." Example: 2024 IHSA 4A State Playoffs - Chicago (DePaul) beats St. Laurence (Burbank) in the Quarters 26-14 and Coal City (NW of Bourbonnais) 21-14. They play Mt. Zion from down near Springfield in the Finals... 40-6. I know, PRIVATE vs PUBLIC, right? Whelp, Coal City isn't private... I can find more than just this ONE example as well but didn't feel the need at the moment. So for me: Big Boy Football in Illinois = Played in or near Chicago Big Boy Football in Indiana = Played in or near Indianapolis (and in some cases a little South of there)

Careful, the loyalty police are lurkin'... lol

Yeah, I guess adding "nearly" in front of all would've made his point a little more clear for ya, huh? Lol those whopping 5 out of 400+ schools really make the difference. I am counting the days until I can venture West, at least as far as work is concerned. Teach/ Coach in Illinois (Chicagoland area) where the money AND the football are better OR continue to teach/ coach in the Region where 5/32 schools in Region 1 care about football, teachers, etc.... I'll take Illinois, the cash, and the better football.

Totally agree with you here @scarab527. 1A-3A (and some 4A/5A) Illinois schools are very good and reside in the Southern half of the state. BUT they are NOT up to the caliber of football across the Southern IL landscape that is played in, near, around, or within an hour drive of Chicago. The North suburbs? LOADED with really good teams. West suburbs? LOADED with really good teams. South Suburbs? Not as loaded but still some LOADED teams. If you look East of Chicago though, you'll find a Region that struggles to provide winners in their state. 👀 Sorry, HAD to come at the Region/ Home. Lol

Yes they are (at least in classes 4A and up). The Springfield area has 3 teams, and there's East St. Louis as scarab mentioned (along with Murphysboro from near STL in 2019), that are the only 4A and higher State Champs or Runner Ups in IL in the last 6 seasons. So yes, the BEST football in Illinois is played within 75 miles of Chicago in any direction. South of Springfield is little boy football in Illinois. Hell, south of Kankakee might qualify as little boy football compared to the Chicagoland area.

THIS was the most interesting/ intriguing piece of the puzzle in regards to Casey's resignation, in my mind. Reading between the lines makes me believe it COULD be pay, admin, AND/ OR parents. I lean towards admin AND/ OR parents given the associate head coach's loyalty to the program for I believe each of the 3 names presented (I know the last two are for sures). I don't think the ole ball coach headed to LaPorte for the cash. The sudden departure makes me think parents and/ or admin.

I'm sure this is the soft, lazy, leaders of public schools' fault too. 🙄 absolutely ridiculous.

Go get 'em! The Wildcats can't hold you off forever! Lol

HOLD THE LINE COACH!! You guys can hold 'em off! Lol