Editorial by the Outlook’s Dave Schmidt

(3-9-26) This Sunday (March 11th) Parkway Schools residents will gather for a ‘town hall meeting‘ to discuss the Panthers future athletic conference home. An issue that has popped up in the past at Parkway.

The choices – remain in the Midwest Athletic Conference (MAC) or move to the Northwest Conference.

RELATED: High School Athletic Conference Barometer

First of all no matter what Parkway decides to do it will end up in a well respected and quality athletic conference. Location and travel will basically be the same.Both will continue with long-standing rivalries.

So why make a change?????

It is no secret, as a charter MAC member, success has not come easy for the Panthers over the years. The possible change is based on competitiveness in the MAC. That has been a problem for Parkway during their entire time in the MAC.

A change of scenery can sometimes be just what the doctor ordered. Over the years schools who have not competed in a conference have made moves with a very successful change in attitude. Ansonia and Bradford, original members, left the MAC after struggling for several years, Delphos St. John’s left the Western Buckeye League (WBL) in hopes of being competetive. Some say ‘a losing program’ takes time to turn it around to make it successful.

Just across the state border, Southern Wells member of the ACAC, is facing the same situation as Parkway…wanting to be competitive. It has been a struggle for them over the years…take time to look at the links below to see some of the process they are going through.

Winning is an attitude….to attain that you must have some positive results. I think many will agree it is a possible solution should they join the NWC.

The decision seems to be one of pride…proud to be a part of the top small conference in Ohio, even if not being competitive since the conference first formed in 1972. The NWC should give the Panthers an opportunity they have looked for to be able to compete for conference titles on a regular basis.

Evaluating the pros and cons should be based on fact and figures…not on feelings. Keeping in mind what is best for the sudent-athletes should be the top priority.

Thoughts on the Town Hall

Reading what attendees are expected to do when they participate. I know that there must be some tension in this decision. Let’s hope the Parkway folks can put their emotions on the back burner…I hope they remember you are all hoping for the very best for the program your all on the same team.

When you read the above (Expectations for speakers and attendees) it would make anyone feel like it is going to be a so called ‘rowdy crowd’ let’s hope that doesn’t happen. I know the school administrators look to be providing time for the community…but toning down some of the items…personal attacks, yelling, warning for a removal from the meeting if a disruption,

This needs to be a time for calm and cool of decision making…pitting friends against friends is not the answer.

Location of Northwest Conference members