| Proposal to shorten football season could cost schools thousands |
 |
Brian BoesenReporter
4:25 PM CDT, April 20, 2010
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. - A proposed change to the Illinois high school football schedule could mean less revenue for some Quad City schools.
"It's a tough financial time for schools and anything that takes money out of schools' pockets is going to be really harmful."
As soon as 2011, high school football teams in the Illinois Quad Cities could be playing one less regular season game.
"Anytime you take a game away is possible revenue," said Todd Rosenthal, Athletic Director at Moline High School.
The Illinois High School Association says it's expecting a proposal from a Chicago Catholic school to cut the regular season from 9 games to 8. It would also double the number of teams making the playoffs from 256 to 512, nearly every team in the state.
"I think the 9 game season is a great situation. I like the Illinois playoff system as it is," said Crick SantAmour, Moline High School head football coach.
In the wake of Illinois' budget crisis, schools and athletic programs are feeling the pinch. With one less football game it could mean the loss of important funds schools desperately need.
"The IHSA would get 80 percent and the school would get 20 cents on the dollar, where if that's a regular season game, we get 100 percent of the gate," said Bob Swanson, Athletic Director at Rock Island High School.
While the IHSA isn't behind the proposal, the organization says any proposal submitted must be discussed, with each school getting one final vote in December.
Rock island's athletic director says the change could allow teams with losing records to make the playoffs, making dangerous play for players.
"So you take your 1 and 8 team, maybe head off to Chicago and face Joliet-Catholic who's 9 and 0. You're not only going to get beat, you're going to get hurt."
The Illinois High School Association says the plan has to be reviewed by its legislative board during dozens of meeting this fall. If all goes through, it then has to be voted on and approved by a majority of schools in December.
|
eMail
JolietCatholicFootball
"Any man's finest hour - his greatest fulfillment to all he holds dear - is
that moment he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted
on the field of battle . . . victorious."
Vince Lombardi
Our Lady of Victory . . .
Pray for Us!
Contents of this site may not be used without prior written permission.
|
|
|
