from_the_sidelines007

Is that an undisputed fact or assumption? As always, the game is better from_the_sidelines007

Not quite sure that's how I would have put any school joining a conference. *Did North Judson-San Pierre 'slum' when asked to join the Hoosier North? *Is Mishawaka talking about the Northern Lakes as a 'slum'? I'll give the benefit of the doubt and say just a poor choice of wording .... I would think that Bremen joining the HNAC would be a good move for everyone. The travel is not ideal for the northern portion, but the competition in a lot of sports is pretty good. Let's take a look at the various conference sports offered .... Pioneer has run the race in football ... LaVille in baseball ... Pioneer, Winamac, and Knox have led softball ... boys basketball has had several teams at the top since the conference inception ... girls basketball can say the same ... LaVille in boys soccer ... there are not enough schools in girls soccer to have a conference, so Bremen would help ... Bremen also has swimming, cross country, tennis, and volleyball, which gives the HNAC more depth across the board. I would think it would be advantageous for everyone to add someone like Bremen. I will add, however, that from what I hear, no formal invitation has been extended to anyone to expand the HNAC. Eight is a strong balance for the conference. Unlikely to increase to nine or even 10. But, as we have read in this threat, Never Say Never. As always, the game is better from_the_sidelines007

Yep! This much is true ... However, it is hard when even the home school has attendance issues. I have been to athletic events where the visiting team has a bigger crowd than the home team. As always, the game is better from_the_sidelines007

Understood ... gate is bottom line for all Athletic Departments l. South bend does not travel well. It's unfortunate to say, but attendance is low for SB home events. Sometimes Elkhart does not travel well. The best gate for Elkhart is Elkhart v. Elkhart, at least for now. Don't know about Penn and Mishawaka. I could see Marian and St. Joe up and down. I will add that if Bremen gets with HNAC competition, travel is the worst. Late nights. Second would be some gates, as well. Caston, Culver do not travel well. Sometimes Winamac and NJSP. Triton and Pioneer do travel well. LaVille does pretty well. As always, the game is better from_the_sidelines007

What the most storied week #1 rivalry high school football games?

RRSN

Thanks! When should high schools be receiving the Gridiron Digest?

Good idea ... schools play a C game in other sports, accomplishing the same goal. Let the kids play! As always, the game is better from_the_sidelines007

Moratorium week is controlled by education-based IHSAA. Followed by IHSAA member schools. Agreed that the student-athletes need time away from school and coaches. AAU and Travel teams are out of hand. Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer all vying for similar athletes, especially at smaller schools. All three want athletes and ask for them in June. Talk about burnout. AAU/Travel ball coaches force the student-athletes to choose. IHSAA can not make choices for student-athletes, Moratorium or not. Bottom line: Student-athletes trying to please everyone puts them at risk. There are student-athletes now that pass on high school team in favor of AAU/Travel teams. As always, the game is better from_the_sidelines007

Gotta say ... interesting topic. Let's say we started 2 weeks early, as Trojanmp52 suggests. Currently, fall sports except girls golf starts Aug 5. Got to have non-contact days and 10 practices, according to IHSAA. Now let's go backward from Aug. 5 by 2 weeks to fit in the IHSAA requirements. Takes us to July 22, 2019, for Day #1 of football. Trojanmp52, what is the benefit to starting Indiana HS football July 22? The IFCA propose this? Have you checked with any HS football coach on this one? Are we starting ALL fall sports on July 22? If not, that becomes a title IX issue. Just curious..... As always, the game is better from_the_sidelines007

Hey Marshall County .... Congratulations to Coach Huppert and the softball team on a state title! Noticed you inquired about any conference additions. How do you feel the Lions are doing in the NIC? The travel doesn't appear to be a problem, in fact, probably less travel for conference opponents? Nights not as long, traveling up north? Getting the student-athletes home earlier? Seems like there are a lot of positives for Bremen in the NIC. As always, the game is better from_the_sidelines007