(11-3-20) This past year we have seen how high school sports can adapt to changes. All schools had to change pre-set schedules, reformatting state playoffs and being able to reschedule games a day after a foe had to cancel because of a positive COVID 19 test.

Add to the list of large budget cuts and income from the State has impacted all Ohio school districts.This fall schools have seen income from tickets disappear. Over the years open enrollment has seen impact for local schools, plus and minus.

Many will see this proposal as a ‘wild and crazy’ solution, it might be but it is 2020. This simple restructure of local schools can be made to solve issues for all involved.

THE PLAN

The Auglaize-Mercer League (AML) would feature schools from the two counties, the Midwest Athletic Conference (MAC) already does that in small part.

The addition of the three Western Buckeye League (WBL) schools, Celina, St. Marys and Wapakoneta and one Northwest Central Conference school Waynesfield-Goshen.

MAC schools outside the two counties, Delphos St. John’s, Versailles and Anna (football) would not be included in the new set-up.

The time has long past that the three WBL schools don’t fit in with the rest of the MAC two county schools, thanks in small part to open enrollment. In every shared sport among the AML schools, numerous non-conference games are already played and they are all very competetive.

There will be several adjustments that would have to be made in several sports, boys and girls soccer, boys and girls tennis and wrestling. Several options might be incorporated, including the addition of several affiliate members.

School Superintendents and school boards and even some ADs will be more likely to consider this type of reorganization….while coaches, athletes and fans will not look at this as a move they can be happy with.

After 2020 what does the future hold for Ohio high school sports…only time will tell.