Blanchard Valley Conference Says "YES" To Expansion

[greenshoes]

Blanchard Valley Conference Says "YES" To Expansion

A tweet from The Courier (Findlay) - Blanchard Valley Conference administrators have approved expansion.

details to come later today...keep an on updates at - www.********************************.com/ohio.htm

[greenshoes]

Hopewell- Loudon and North Baltimore get invited...8 to 0 vote, 2 abstain...more details to follow

[Hank_Hill]

So they add a top tier athletic program in H-L, but a bottom feeder in NB. Guess location wins out over quality.

[Grantland]

Two years ago the MAL was a very stable conference that considered adding a couple of more football schools. Now whats going to happens to the remaining three football schools in the MAL? Are they forced to be independent in football? Is it every school for itself or do they try and broker a deal for all three to join a league? I understand that their is 4 other schools involved, but football seems to be the driving force behind all of the shake ups.


to North Baltimore congrats your school has waited patiently for this opportunity, and to Hopewell good luck going into the future.

[BigTenBuckeye]

If both leave (and I'm sure they will):

I'm not sure if the TAAC is still considering expansion, but I bet Calvert, Lakota, and St. Joe's will probably be in contact with them one way or another. I can't even picture what St. Wendelin and the non-football schools will do. This is very unfortunate.

[Hank_Hill]

What's going to happen is you're going to see alot of trips for Calvert to places like Danville, Lucas, etc.....what an absolute travesty. They will never be able to replace the gates they once had from the county schools.

I place the blame squarely on Wynford officials for all of this. Had they honored their commitment to the NCC this mess wouldn't exist. Toss in Care and Mohawk as well. They knew long long ago the desire to get back to the NCC schools.

[BD6372]

What's going to happen is you're going to see alot of trips for Calvert to places like Danville, Lucas, etc.....what an absolute travesty. They will never be able to replace the gates they once had from the county schools.

I place the blame squarely on Wynford officials for all of this. Had they honored their commitment to the NCC this mess wouldn't exist. Toss in Care and Mohawk as well. They knew long long ago the desire to get back to the NCC schools. The MAL was and is a League in decline as far as producing quality football teams (or any boys sport). It had only 3-4 teams that were decent and the rest were awful. This League needed to expand or fold and unfortunately it appears that fold will be the option. You can't blame Carey, Mohawk, and Seneca East for trying to get the best competition available for their athletes and the handwriting was on the wall ever since St. Wendelin quit the League, the other 2 catholic schools (Calvert and St. Joe) will face similar issues in the next few years. This was a very strong football conference through the 90's but over particularly the last 5 years has really been on the decline. I think that H-L will be a nice fit in the BVC but other than giving the BVC bottom feeders someone to compete with what would the BVC want with North Baltimore? Wynford was the driving force behind creating the N10 and I still haven't figured that one out as they completely dominated the NCC and made the playoffs each season. The N10 will be a very competitive League in all sports (all schools of similar size). The MAL used to be a basketball powerhouse but now it is mostly a joke with few if any of it's teams getting past sectionals and if they do its only because they played each other to then get crushed at districts. The MAL is still pretty good in girls sports but boys sports not so much anymore. The addition of Lakota to the MAL was a terrible move as they brought nothing to the table, had that spot been filled with Elmwood things might have turned out different. I also think the MAL should have gone to 10 football playing members at that time. I feel bad for the schools like New Reigle, and Old Fort who don't play football, who is going to take them in their conference? It appears that the MAL is done, so I want to wish each of the remaining schools who have not found a new home yet good luck and I hope things work out for everyone but I really worry about the non football playing schools.

[Grantland]

I respect you feel compelled to defend the schools who left the MAL for the N10, but throwing the remaining schools under the bus is bush league. Every league has the haves and the have nots. That is an inescapable fact. bringing Elmwood, Woodmore, Gibsonburg, Northwood or any other school like these into the league would have not swayed the current outcome from happening. These schools chose to leave for geographical considerations. If they would have mentioned that they might be leaving the MAL the vote on admitting Elmwood into the League might have turned out differntly. I have no hard feeling for these school doing what they felt was in their best interest, but don't blame the competition.

[Ericles]

Colonel Crawford was more the driving force behind the formation of the N10 than was Wynford. Wynford took most of the blame, though, because its Principal was the president if the NCC and the back-handed manner in which he allowed everything to take place was downright shameful.

[BD6372]

I respect you feel compelled to defend the schools who left the MAL for the N10, but throwing the remaining schools under the bus is bush league. Every league has the haves and the have nots. That is an inescapable fact. bringing Elmwood, Woodmore, Gibsonburg, Northwood or any other school like these into the league would have not swayed the current outcome from happening. These schools chose to leave for geographical considerations. If they would have mentioned that they might be leaving the MAL the vote on admitting Elmwood into the League might have turned out differntly. I have no hard feeling for these school doing what they felt was in their best interest, but don't blame the competition. I respectively disagree that had the MAL expanded to 10 football playing schools, this would have happened anyway. The geographical arguement can be made and the fact that most of them played in the same league years ago was probably a factor. I'm not throwing the rest of the MAL under the bus as you say, the MAL is a League on the decline including those schools who have chosen to leave. I don't know how you can argue that point. The results of post season play in all sports speak for themselves. And as I said the MAL girls teams still fair pretty well but the boys have taken a huge step backwards from where they were 10-15 years ago. I'm not blaming anyone those are just the facts (and I do realize that this sometimes runs in cycles) but with the declining enrollments I don't think that this is the case now. You will never be a top tier team if you play inferior competition week in and week out, you will play to the level of your competition and when you then go to post season play you are not prepared to face the Delphos St. John's and Marion Locals of the world. The MAL used to be superior to the BVC for example in both Football and Basketball (Liberty Benton basketball not withstanding) but in the last 10 years the BVC has become a stronger top to bottom Conference in all sports while the MAL has regressed. The BVC is now a stronger Conference in all boys sports when compared to the MAL. You are right to say that I'm defending my school for what they have chosen to do, but I'm saying it was not completely a geographical decision but a combination of factors that lead to this. I like the MAL and will miss playing Calvert, St. Joe, and H-L. Those games over the years have been pretty intense Again good luck to all the MAL schools, I hope things work out for all of them. (By the way I'm against the move to the N10, I as you probably can tell would have preferred the BVC if a move had to be made)just an opinion, I'm from Carey. (The opinions of most of the Careyites that I've talked to about the move is that we don't see this as an improvement in either travel or level of competition.)

[Grantland]

I do not intend to be disrespectful, but I had to laugh. If the level of competition has so deteriorated why have these three schools not absolutely dominated the league the last 10-15 years? Don't tell me the level of competition is has so declined that it cannot prepare you for post season, because Im going to ask you to explain Hopewll Loudon. They play in the MAL, they play the same schools. they were prepared for the post season.
The three schools that left the MAL for the N10 did so because they reasoned that it befitted themselves to do so. I have no problem with that. the Mal had an opportunity to bring Elmwood into the league the league chose not to. Im not sure if Gibsonburg or Woodmore were ever considered. tell me what efforts did these three members of the Mal do to try and lessen the blow of them leaving? (don't bother answering that because I really don't care what the answer is. the question to me is where do the three remaining schools go from here)
Please, if your soul intention in responding to my post is to further justify the three schools leaving, don't respond the point is moot. I really only care about the future of the remaining schools the three that left for the N10 already have their future decided.

[BD6372]

I do not intend to be disrespectful, but I had to laugh. If the level of competition has so deteriorated why have these three schools not absolutely dominated the league the last 10-15 years? Don't tell me the level of competition is has so declined that it cannot prepare you for post season, because Im going to ask you to explain Hopewll Loudon. They play in the MAL, they play the same schools. they were prepared for the post season.
The three schools that left the MAL for the N10 did so because they reasoned that it befitted themselves to do so. I have no problem with that. the Mal had an opportunity to bring Elmwood into the league the league chose not to. Im not sure if Gibsonburg or Woodmore were ever considered. tell me what efforts did these three members of the Mal do to try and lessen the blow of them leaving? (don't bother answering that because I really don't care what the answer is. the question to me is where do the three remaining schools go from here)
Please, if your soul intention in responding to my post is to further justify the three schools leaving, don't respond the point is moot. I really only care about the future of the remaining schools the three that left for the N10 already have their future decided. Fair enough. I agree with 90% of what you are saying and the other 10% we'll never agree on so we'll just let it go.

[strykerblue]

Grantland...the 3 remaining schools you refer to... you mean schools with football I guess? (Calvert, SJCC and Lakota).....what about Old Fort, New Riegel and St. Wendelin who do not play in the league in football. It will be even harder for them to find a home. I am not even mentioning Bettsville as they may not even be around when all the MAL teams defect in two years. You have to wonder if the BVC or another nearby league would accept a school like New Riegel as a non-football member. NR has very competitive girls teams and most years boys basketball and baseball are respectable. Plus, they seem to support their teams and travel fairly well to games.

[Grantland]

Grantland...the 3 remaining schools you refer to... you mean schools with football I guess? (Calvert, SJCC and Lakota).....what about Old Fort, New Riegel and St. Wendelin who do not play in the league in football. It will be even harder for them to find a home. I am not even mentioning Bettsville as they may not even be around when all the MAL teams defect in two years. You have to wonder if the BVC or another nearby league would accept a school like New Riegel as a non-football member. NR has very competitive girls teams and most years boys basketball and baseball are respectable. Plus, they seem to support their teams and travel fairly well to games.

You are correct in stating that there are 4 other schools whose future hang in the balance. These schools; might be added to existing leagues, might get folded into any deal involving the 3 football programs (schools), They possible can remain Independents as it is easier to schedule basketball, baseball, ect...
Football seems to be the most difficult to be an independent because after week 3 most schools are locked into league schedules.
This is just one ugly mess (No finger pointing needed) that I don't believe will be resolved with a one answer saves all result. I can envision St. Joe and Lakota trying to seek refuge in the TAAC as these two schools would not dramatically increase the TAAC footprint (which is quite large as it stands right now) and they fit the demographics. Maybe (A guess at best) Tiffin Calvert could be absorbed into the SBC (this answer is only an attempt at finding a possible home for TC don't hold me to it as being fact) The remaining four schools can band together to form a four school league until a long term answer can be found. (not an ideal resolution but a realistic one for the short run)

[BG Warthog]

North Baltimore BOE officially accepted last night the offer to join the BVC.

[ajm23t]

Hopewell-Loudon BOE officially accepted last night the offer to join the BVC starting August 2014.The Fostoria Review-Times has a small articl on this.

[BigTenBuckeye]

http://www.thecourier.com/Issues/2012/Jun/21/ar_sports_062112_story1.asp?d=062112_story1,2012,J un,21&c=s

Another proposal still under consideration at Hopewell-Loudon would allow for dual league membership in sports other than football.

"When the Athletic Council met two-weeks ago to discuss the invitation, it was a 9-3 vote for the BVC and a 12-0 vote for the dual-membership," Hopewell-Loudon athletic director Steve Suter said. "A lot of the coaches grew up here and competed in the MAL, so it's hard to just up and change, but we have to do what we have to do."

I like that they're showing concern for keeping the MAL together. The league can survive as a non-football loop so long as the football schools can find a league (is the TAAC still considering more expansion?) and you won't have the non-football schools stuck in independent Siberia.

[Knite Flyer]

Grantland...the 3 remaining schools you refer to... you mean schools with football I guess? (Calvert, SJCC and Lakota).....what about Old Fort, New Riegel and St. Wendelin who do not play in the league in football. It will be even harder for them to find a home. I am not even mentioning Bettsville as they may not even be around when all the MAL teams defect in two years. You have to wonder if the BVC or another nearby league would accept a school like New Riegel as a non-football member. NR has very competitive girls teams and most years boys basketball and baseball are respectable. Plus, they seem to support their teams and travel fairly well to games.


I really hate how morons on these boards keep saying "Bettsville may not be around....in 2 years." That's pure b.s. They'll be here, and the only way they won't is IF they'd ever merge with Old Fort.....which would take 4-5 years from today IF they were talking about this (and they ain't been talking about it). 2 years ago, there were talks......today......not so much.

It would be slightly more correct to say (as you did elsewhere) that Bettsville may not be playing a Varsity schedule. Please try to word things correctly, and not just make blanket statements.

[strykerblue]

Gee Knite Flyer, sorry if I hit a nerve. But yeah, Bettsville not having any varsity sports is probably a better way to say it. I do not know how long any of the merger or consolidation stuff takes but if they are down to less than 10 kids in many of the lower grades how long can the school survive? I have talked to a couple people who work at the school and that is where I heard the two year time frame but nothing official. This is a forum with a lot of rumors and half truths Flyer...lighten up a little as no malice intended.

[president]

Is the BVC done expanding after Hopewell-Loudon and North Baltimore? If not, who else is on the radar?

[hlsportsnut]

The MAL was and is a League in decline as far as producing quality football teams (or any boys sport). It had only 3-4 teams that were decent and the rest were awful. This League needed to expand or fold and unfortunately it appears that fold will be the option. You can't blame Carey, Mohawk, and Seneca East for trying to get the best competition available for their athletes and the handwriting was on the wall ever since St. Wendelin quit the League, the other 2 catholic schools (Calvert and St. Joe) will face similar issues in the next few years. This was a very strong football conference through the 90's but over particularly the last 5 years has really been on the decline. I think that H-L will be a nice fit in the BVC but other than giving the BVC bottom feeders someone to compete with what would the BVC want with North Baltimore? Wynford was the driving force behind creating the N10 and I still haven't figured that one out as they completely dominated the NCC and made the playoffs each season. The N10 will be a very competitive League in all sports (all schools of similar size). The MAL used to be a basketball powerhouse but now it is mostly a joke with few if any of it's teams getting past sectionals and if they do its only because they played each other to then get crushed at districts. The MAL is still pretty good in girls sports but boys sports not so much anymore. The addition of Lakota to the MAL was a terrible move as they brought nothing to the table, had that spot been filled with Elmwood things might have turned out different. I also think the MAL should have gone to 10 football playing members at that time. I feel bad for the schools like New Reigle, and Old Fort who don't play football, who is going to take them in their conference? It appears that the MAL is done, so I want to wish each of the remaining schools who have not found a new home yet good luck and I hope things work out for everyone but I really worry about the non football playing schools.

Who will take them? I would say nearly anyone. Since most leagues are set up around football and they don't play football why wouldn't any league take them. They will have no problem finding a league. The ones who are hurting is the schoools that do have football and now have to find somewhere to fit in.

[hlsportsnut]

Any word on weather the BVC intends on staying in the OWL for wrestling or will they create their own league wrestling tournament? I have also heard the Liberty - Benton is considering starting a wrestling team any truth to this rumor?

[14Red]

Any word on weather the BVC intends on staying in the OWL for wrestling or will they create their own league wrestling tournament? I have also heard the Liberty - Benton is considering starting a wrestling team any truth to this rumor?

I don't think there is enough wrestling teams to have it's own league? Arcadia, Cory, McComb are the only existing teams, add possibly LB, Hopewell and North Baltimore and you've got 6 teams?

[hlsportsnut]

I think you foregot Van Buran. that would make seven. That would be enough for a tournament. I would favor a dual meet tournament.

[Knite Flyer]

Gee Knite Flyer, sorry if I hit a nerve. But yeah, Bettsville not having any varsity sports is probably a better way to say it. I do not know how long any of the merger or consolidation stuff takes but if they are down to less than 10 kids in many of the lower grades how long can the school survive? I have talked to a couple people who work at the school and that is where I heard the two year time frame but nothing official. This is a forum with a lot of rumors and half truths Flyer...lighten up a little as no malice intended.


Yes you hit a nerve, but only by wording things poorly. I know that you intended no malice. Dad always said "say what you mean". Try it.

As to they're classroom numbers, they can and will survive as long as their taxbase pays their bills. They are very sound financially and thus, they'll survive. Your sources at the school are, quite simply, wrong, or at best mis-informed.

The ODE won't "do" anything until they are not solvent. There ARE schools who are smaller than Bettsville and they stay open......Betty's only problem is that they are still OHSAA members. Well that's not their "only" problem, but that's one for another day......

[BigTenBuckeye]

https://twitter.com/search?q=%40Courier_Sports&src=typd

Findlay Courier tweeting that Riverdale has been offered the 13th spot in the BVC. If they agree to join, a 14th school will also be contacted. From reading their page, four schools are being considered for the 14th spot; Elmwood and Lima CC are not in that cluster. Hoping for newspaper updates and board meeting notes to spring up on this.

[BD6372]

https://twitter.com/search?q=%40Courier_Sports&src=typd

Findlay Courier tweeting that Riverdale has been offered the 13th spot in the BVC. If they agree to join, a 14th school will also be contacted. From reading their page, four schools are being considered for the 14th spot; Elmwood and Lima CC are not in that cluster. Hoping for newspaper updates and board meeting notes to spring up on this. Any guesses who the 4 schools are? Maybe Ada, Tiffin Calvert, Bluffton, Carey, Columbus Grove, Mohawk???? I can see not wanting LCC but I wonder why not Elmwood?

[BigTenBuckeye]

Maybe Ada, Tiffin Calvert, Bluffton, Carey, Columbus Grove, Mohawk???? I can see not wanting LCC but I wonder why not Elmwood?

I think those are good guesses, but I have no idea why Elmwood wouldn't be considered. Possibly someone from the NWC or the SRL, which isn't on very solid ground.

Someone suggested that if they took in Riverdale and Carey, that would open the door for Galion and Upper Sandusky to fill that void in the N10, but that's a whole 'nother topic.

[fourthandone]

Upper and Galion???? The N10 formed because of those two schools.

[BigTenBuckeye]

That's what I thought, but apparently the word is those 2 are already regretting the travel that the MOAC brings ahead. How everyone else saw it and they didn't, I don't know. Kind of annoying only having twitter talk to go off of.

[fourthandone]

I'm not sure i understand where you are coming from. US and Galion essentially had no choice but the MOAC (unless of course they returned to the NOL, which for Galion, maybe wasn't out of the question).

I can't in my lifetime imagine a scenario in which Galion and US join with the Crawford County schools again and vice versa.

I don't believe for a second the MOAC will stay intact. Elgin may already be a candidate to leave if Riverdale excepts the BVC invite, which could come in two weeks. Does the MOAC really then let Marion Harding in?

[BigTenBuckeye]

Just reporting what I hear. It seems like when it came to the option of going back to the nearby NOL or traveling a ton in the MOAC, they preferred the option of going to more far-away distances to play schools of similar size. I know they had concerns over Sandusky's size and distance as well as potentially going to Vermilion, but if travel is now the main issue, was the NOL really all that bad?

Both are in an unfortunate situation like Marion Harding. They no-doubt hate what the N10 schools pulled (as nice of a geographic fit as they'd be), their MOAC division is a great distance to make (would be curious to compare mileage), and the NOL isn't much different from when they left except they added a slowly-shrinking Sandusky and a growing Ontario. I felt the NOL was the best option. But maybe the MOAC gets too big for itself and does a north-south split.

[strykerblue]

Why is BVC so anxious to get to 14 schools? Are they worried HL or NB may back out? Riverdale will go to BVC as they all but indicated that last summer and Ada or Bluffton makes sense too I guess. Carey seems firm in wanting to get back to their roots with old NCC foes. Elgin would jump to take Riverdales place....I could see Crestline bailing on N10 too as they will struggle to win much in that league.

[writerbuckeye]

Why is BVC so anxious to get to 14 schools? Are they worried HL or NB may back out? Riverdale will go to BVC as they all but indicated that last summer and Ada or Bluffton makes sense too I guess. Carey seems firm in wanting to get back to their roots with old NCC foes. Elgin would jump to take Riverdales place....I could see Crestline bailing on N10 too as they will struggle to win much in that league.

Quit talking out of your hat. Crestline is just fine in the N-10 and will remain so, even if Riverdale decides to join the BVC and Elgin ends up joining Ridgedale as an N-10 member.

Even if Crestline decided to leave the N-10: please tell me what small school league exists nearby that has an opening and would be a better fit than the N-10?

[scutch]

Riverdale was asked before HL and NB they said no what has changed.They may just stay put.

[CaughtinLimbo]

Just an outside pitch here but could it be possible that the BVC is aiming for a divisional alignment of 8 and 8 when it's all said and done?

[meercat_manor]

Riverdale was asked before HL and NB they said no what has changed.They may just stay put.


They were never asked

[BD6372]

Riverdale's roots (Mt. Blanchard original member) are in the BVC but if they wanted in the BVC then why didn't they apply the first round of expansion? I heard after the first expansion of the BVC that Riverdale reconfirmed their commitment to the N10. (which means nothing anymore). I agree that Carey will most likely stay in the N10, they seem to be co-conspirators with Wynford in that whole mess. Ada now with LCC out of the NWC probably will not leave, same with Bluffton. Grove may be the next best option for the BVC although they too have a long history with the NWC, but they would have a couple Putnam county rivals in the BVC. (Pandora-Gilboa and Leipsic) It will be interesting who the BVC goes after especially if they try to get to 16 teams. I would think that of the potentially 4 open spots that the BVC would want at least 2 of the 4 new teams to have a strong athletic history to have balance in the 2 divisions. (for Football only)

[BigTenBuckeye]

Dave reporting that Elmwood, Ada, Patrick Henry, and Carey did not receive BVC invites (4/3/13).

Now reporting that Columbus Grove also did not receive an invite, but waiting to hear from Tiffin Calvert and Bluffton (4/4/13).

[BD6372]

Those all seem like logical choices, I wonder why no interest? But I didn't understand adding North Baltimore or from a travel stand point Hopewell-Louden either. That still leaves Bluffton, Columbus Grove, Tiffin Calvert (who they rejected the first time) I think they're scared of that down the road Calvert will struggle like St. Wendelin to field teams. Mohawk plays a lot of BVC schools, I guess if you can drive to Bascom you can drive to Sycamore but I could see them going back to the SRL (Old MAL) before they would join the BVC. With the schools that have been ruled out, I can't think of a lot of options out there.

[norway]

Dave's info is incorrect.

Ada, Carey, and Elmwood were invited, along with others

[meercat_manor]

Dave's info is incorrect.

Ada, Carey, and Elmwood were invited, along with others

Then Ada and Carey's administrators are lying. Go to Dave's page there are emails denying invites.

[norway]

You said it not I. An invite it is just that, it doesn't suggest interest from any of these schools in changing leagues, just that they are seen as potential quality members. Perhaps the mail is slow? How many schools admitted or acknowledged being invited the first time the BVC expanded?

[fourthandone]

If you notice, all of the emails said they received no "Formal" invitation. That leaves a big opening. Only Elmwood flat out denied interest.

[BigTenBuckeye]

"Within the recent past, Ada Exempted Village Schools has not received any formal request to join the Blanchard Valley Conference and the school continues to be a member of the Northwest Conference."

Rob Underwood, Assistant K-12 Principal, Ada

Carey has not received an invitation to the BVC nor had any discussions about joining that conference with any of its representatives. We are committed to the present agreement that we have with our fellow Northern 10 Athletic Conference schools to begin conference play commencing with the 2014-2015 school year.

Peter J. Cole, Principal- Carey High School

We are not interested in changing leagues at this time and will not attend any meeting dealing with this issue. We are very happy in the NBC.

Tony Borton, Superintendent, Elmwood Local Schools

Columbus Grove Local Schools did not receive an invitation to join the Blanchard Valley Conference.

Nick Verhoff, Superintendent, Columbus Grove Schools

We HAVE NOT been invited.

Bryan Hieber, Athletic Director, Patrick Henry

Elmwood's the only one that didn't say something along the lines of "we didn't get an invite", so maybe they did and turned it down (based on their wording).

[fourthandone]

The BVC sent out one formal invite, Riverdale.

[Terrapin]

Riverdale BOE votes 5-0 to join BVC.

[BigTenBuckeye]

Heard that Riverdale and the 14th school may not be able to join until 2015-16. Any truth or explanation on that?

[BD6372]

If true that would put Riverdale in a tough situation for 2014-2015 as I'm sure that the N10 doesn't want them for just 1 year. It would be hard to put together a 1 year independent schedule. I'm not surprised at the Riverdale vote they've always wanted in the BVC. I was surprised that they didn't go in the first expansion. Being from Carey, I personally would like to see Carey in the BVC but I don't think that it will happen because of Carey's commitment to the N10. Carey already plays most of the BVC in all sports other than football and I think that it would be a good fit for both Carey and the BVC. Good luck Falcons, you finally got what you've always wanted, I hope it works out for you (and I think that it will).

[paladin]

Carey's commitment to the N-10 is different than Riverdale's commitment to the N-10? The question should be, do the Administrators at Carey want to do what is best for their school like Riverdale's Administrators?

[paladin]

Heard that Riverdale and the 14th school may not be able to join until 2015-16. Any truth or explanation on that?

Heard the N-10 wants to fine Rverdale $25,000 for breaking their commitment to the N-10 and not staying for 5 years..

[BD6372]

Carey's commitment to the N-10 is different than Riverdale's commitment to the N-10? The question should be, do the Administrators at Carey want to do what is best for their school like Riverdale's Administrators? I agree, the BVC would be in the best interest of Carey but I still don't think that they'll do it (if asked). I think if it came to a vote of the Public that most would prefer the BVC over the N10 because of slightly less travel and being more familiar with the schools of the BVC. The kids that are in Carey today weren't even born yet when Carey was in the old NCC with most of these N10 schools. Maybe with Riverdales departure the N10 will have to reconsider Upper Sandusky although the name being tossed around that I'm hearing is Elgin.(a school just as big as Upper). I don't know if these High School Conferences have the authority to fine anyone, somehow I doubt it. As far as Carey's commitment to the N10 being different than Riverdales, I think that Wynford and Carey were two of the main forces behind forming the N10. Just guessing (no inside information) of the 5 schools mentioned as possibly being invited to join the BVC, I'm going with Columbus Grove as the 14th member of the BVC.

[nknight92]

Eligin's Average Enrollment154.5
Upper Snadusky's Average Enrolment 210.5
Bit of a difference there

[Ericles]

I don't think the N10 really has a leg to stand on if they tried to fine Riverdale. How could they do that for something that hasn't even started yet?

[meercat_manor]

If true that would put Riverdale in a tough situation for 2014-2015 as I'm sure that the N10 doesn't want them for just 1 year. It would be hard to put together a 1 year independent schedule. I'm not surprised at the Riverdale vote they've always wanted in the BVC. I was surprised that they didn't go in the first expansion. Being from Carey, I personally would like to see Carey in the BVC but I don't think that it will happen because of Carey's commitment to the N10. Carey already plays most of the BVC in all sports other than football and I think that it would be a good fit for both Carey and the BVC. Good luck Falcons, you finally got what you've always wanted, I hope it works out for you (and I think that it will).

Might not be that hard to find games with the SRL set to start that year with currently only 5 schools. That's 5 games they could have right there.

[BigTenBuckeye]

As a result of Riverdale's announcement, Upper Sandusky officials to meet with the N10 at 11:30 today.

"We will discuss the possibility of joining the league." -Jim Clifford, Principal

Hopefully this gets figured out before the 2014-15 season starts.

[14Red]

As a result of Riverdale's announcement, Upper Sandusky officials to meet with the N10 at 11:30 today.

"We will discuss the possibility of joining the league." -Jim Clifford, Principal

Hopefully this gets figured out before the 2014-15 season starts.

Even if it is, it will be 2017-18 before anything can be implemented. High schools can't do anything fast.

[paladin]

It should never take more than 2 years. Sometimes a league will even allow an "early out" if it is requested. 2016-2017 at the latest.

[BD6372]

Interesting that Wynford would want Upper Sandusky now. The story was that they were the ones who blocked them out when the N10 was being put together. Upper has 1 more year in the NCC, I believe that they were going to the Mid Ohio with Pleasant, Elgin, River Valley, Buckeye Valley and those teams between Marion and Columbus. It shouldn't be to hard to get out of a League that you won't even be playing in until 2014-15. This would make the N10 a better League with US instead of Riverdale. Now if they can get rid of Ridgedale it wouldn't look to bad. I can see Carey, Bucyrus, and Mohawk all being for Upper Sandusky to be admitted to the N10. Carey and Mohawk already play them in nonleague games and US-Bucyrus has always been a good rivalry. I think that the admission of Upper Sandusky to the N10 would put an end to any possibility that Carey would look at the BVC. They would then be in a Conference with their two biggest rivals (Mohawk and Upper Sandusky, with an old rivalry with Wynford being in play again) and I don't see them looking to make a move. The addition of Upper Sandusky to the N10 would be a great move for that League and travelwise much better for Upper Sandusky than just about anywhere else that they could go.

[paladin]

Upper IS going to the MOAC along with Galion in 2014-2015. Upper was NEVER given consideration for the N-10. They were gotten rid of with Galion and Ontario because they were too big. Upper is 30% larger than the largest N-10 school and double the size of half of the N10 schools. Ontario and Wynford were MUCH bigger rivals than Upper and Wynford, it didn't mean a hill of beans.

[BD6372]

So you're saying the 11:30 meeting on Monday (5-6) is not true? Upper Sandusky and Bucyrus are very close in size yet Bucyrus was able to threaten their way into the N10. (threatening to never play Wynford again in any sport, a huge gate game), so Wynford pushed for Bucyrus's inclusion. Upper Sandusky would not dominate the N10 in any sport but they would be competitive in all sports (boys and Girls). Carey plays US in most boys and girls sports and does very well vs them. If true I thought that the remaining 9 schools would have a 5-4 vote either way with probably Seneca East deciding US's fate. My Guess would be Carey, Mohawk, Bucyrus, and Wynford for US with Buckeye Central, Col. Crawford, Crestline and Ridgedale against with SE deciding Yay or Nay. (but that's just a guess and if there was no meeting a mute point). Who do you see taking Riverdale's spot if not US? I've heard Elgin mentioned. (I don't see Upper Sandusky doing well in the MOAC) especially in football. Wrestling, Basketball and all girls sports probably ok. I haven't heard any talk or rumors of who will be the 14th team to join the BVC. My first guess would be Columbus Grove (no inside information, I just think that they would be a good fit) strong overall athletic program, boys and girls. I would like to see Carey apply for membership but I'm almost sure that they won't. The travel would be slightly less and the top division of the BVC will be very strong, preparing it's top teams well for the playoffs. I don't think that Ada or Bluffton will leave the NWC especially now with LCC gone. Patrick Henry is a no way in my opinion,as they are in a great League and 7-8 wins will most of the time get them into the playoffs.

[BigTenBuckeye]

Northern 10 Conference

updated 5-6-13
Two Schools Seek N10 Membership

Northern 10 Conference schools met today to hear presentations from two schools looking to replace departing Riverdale, who announced recently they would be joining the Blanchard Valley Conference. N10 Commissioner Mark Hayman in an email to SR updated us on the meeting "I was unable to attend the meeting, but my understanding is that (Marion) Elgin and Upper Sandusky both made fine presentations to the conference!!"
Upper Sandusky Meeting With Northern 10

email reply from Upper Sandusky Principal Jim Clifford

The N10 officials have invited Upper Sandusky to meet with them at 11:30 a.m. today. We will discuss the possibility of joining the league. Brad Ehrman, our AD, will be presenting information to them.

This was posted on Dave's site yesterday. Upper Sandusky and Marion Elgin both being considered to replace Riverdale.

[paladin]

So you're saying the 11:30 meeting on Monday (5-6) is not true? Upper Sandusky and Bucyrus are very close in size yet Bucyrus was able to threaten their way into the N10. (threatening to never play Wynford again in any sport, a huge gate game), so Wynford pushed for Bucyrus's inclusion. Upper Sandusky would not dominate the N10 in any sport but they would be competitive in all sports (boys and Girls). Carey plays US in most boys and girls sports and does very well vs them. If true I thought that the remaining 9 schools would have a 5-4 vote either way with probably Seneca East deciding US's fate. My Guess would be Carey, Mohawk, Bucyrus, and Wynford for US with Buckeye Central, Col. Crawford, Crestline and Ridgedale against with SE deciding Yay or Nay. (but that's just a guess and if there was no meeting a mute point). Who do you see taking Riverdale's spot if not US? I've heard Elgin mentioned. (I don't see Upper Sandusky doing well in the MOAC) especially in football. Wrestling, Basketball and all girls sports probably ok. I haven't heard any talk or rumors of who will be the 14th team to join the BVC. My first guess would be Columbus Grove (no inside information, I just think that they would be a good fit) strong overall athletic program, boys and girls. I would like to see Carey apply for membership but I'm almost sure that they won't. The travel would be slightly less and the top division of the BVC will be very strong, preparing it's top teams well for the playoffs. I don't think that Ada or Bluffton will leave the NWC especially now with LCC gone. Patrick Henry is a no way in my opinion,as they are in a great League and 7-8 wins will most of the time get them into the playoffs.

Where did I say there wasn't going to be a meeting??? Upper applied, the N-10 is granting a meeting to save face and keep non-league games on the schedule. What is your definition of close in size? Upper has 30% more students than Bucyrus, 30% is close? Upper is double the size of half the schools in the N-10.

Ontario and Galion brought bigger crowds to Wynford than Bucyrus ever did and are the same size as Upper, that didn't help them. Be honest with yourself, Bucyrus has rarely threatened Wynford in football and basketball in the past and won't in the future. Upper wouldn't have dominated the N-10 through the Micheli, Diebler, Falk years? I can't believe you or anyone in Upper would insult them by thinking Upper's athletic programs are that much worse than Galion and Ontario's.

FYA, Elgin was ahead of Upper in the pecking order when the N-10 was formed, they just lost out to Ridgedale. At the time Ridgedale said they would like to see Elgin in the N-10. No promise, but the assumption was Elgin would be next member if and when Riverdale left. Upper was in the ditch with Galion and Ontario.

Just because you think Upper won't do well in the MOAC doesn't mean the N-10 will feel sorry for you now, heck they threw Upper under the bus 2 years.

[writerbuckeye]

I'm going to guess that Elgin was promised the next slot if Riverdale left -- and that makes a lot of sense given that Ridgedale then would have another Marion County school with them in the conference.

That's not to say that the league couldn't change its mind and go with Upper, instead, given their proximity to a few of the other schools like Carey, Wynford and Mohawk, in particular.

However, if I'm going to guess, I'd say Elgin will be the choice because (1) they were promised the slot first and (2) if your league is going to have a footprint in Marion County, it should be more than one school if possible. And Elgin has already been playing a lot of the NCC schools, like Bucyrus, Col. Crawford, Wynford, etc. in non league games for a number of years now.

[BD6372]

Upper IS going to the MOAC along with Galion in 2014-2015. Upper was NEVER given consideration for the N-10. They were gotten rid of with Galion and Ontario because they were too big. Upper is 30% larger than the largest N-10 school and double the size of half of the N10 schools. Ontario and Wynford were MUCH bigger rivals than Upper and Wynford, it didn't mean a hill of beans. I guess I mistook your quote of Upper was NEVER given consideration for the N-10, to mean that they were not having a meeting, I appologize for that. But according to the OHSAA projected enrollment numbers Upper Sandusky has 265 boys and Bucyrus has 250 boys not a 30% difference but roughly the same, so Upper's size is not the issue even though the next biggest after Bucyrus is Wynford in the 180-190 range(or about the same as Elgin). As for Upper dominating the N10 during the Micheli, Diebler, Falk years, yes they would have in Basketball especially but football although they may have won the League they would not have run roughshod over the rest. Carey played them very close during all those years and as far as that goes you can pick out any school when they have had their best athlestes and say the same thing. I would much prefer Upper Sandusky in the N10 but your information seems like it is a forgone conclusion that the new member will be Elgin. Upper brings much more to the table than Elgin. I just think US won't do well most of the time in football,but wrestling, Basketball, and all the girls sports they will be fine and when they get a run of good athletes like you mentioned before they will do well in football.

[smokinjoe21]

Both those school districts (Bucyrus and Upper) numbers are off. 162 and 220 when corrected

[smokinjoe21]

Wynford is probably around 150 every school in Crawford county is off ranging from 25 to 100 per school. You cannot go by the numbers until corrected through the appeal process.

[BD6372]

Both those school districts (Bucyrus and Upper) numbers are off. 162 and 220 when corrected Where do you find the corrected numbers and where did the OHSAA get the numbers that they published in the first place?

[smokinjoe21]

Nobody seems to be able to find where the ohsaa and ode got their numbers for any of the Crawford county schools. My sorce is the school principle

[Ericles]

Don't be so sure that Mohawk is in Upper's corner. In fact, I've been told the opposite is true. Not necessarily dead-set against it, but not as gung-ho in favor as you might think.

[smokinjoe21]

Mock vote: Bucyrus would vote yes for both, Crawford would vote no for Upper and yes for Elgin, Ridgedale would want another Marion county school yes for Elgin no for Upper, Crestline and Buckeye would prob look at number over anything else so 2 more nos for Upper and 2 more yeses for Elgin, I think travel would be Seneca Easts factor so no for Elgin and yes for Upper, Carey would vote for Upper since they play each other in most sports anyway. So the vote will probably come down to Wynford and Mohawk . I can see the votes being 5 to 4 for either school. Let's look at fielding teams. Both schools can field teams in varsity JV and probably freshmen for football and basketball, both schools have swimming, golf, Upper has tennis and wrestling I don't know about Elgin. So for a league sport you need 50% of the schools to have it. Wrestling schools are BC, Bucyrus, Carey, Mohawk and Seneca East. Swimming schools Bucyrus, CC, Crestline, and Wynford. Tennis might be eliminated with Crestline and Bucyrus having teams. In the NCC three of the schools that are leaving Galion, Ontario and Upper fielded these teams to make them league sports.

[BD6372]

That's pretty much what I think, 5-4 either way. Mohawk as does Carey plays Upper Sandusky in most sports, I thought that they would be a lock for US but apparently not. Wynford is tough for me to call but I thought that they may be an Upper lean because of the short travel distance. I guess we'll know soon.I being from Carey want Upper sandusky in the League because selfishly I like to watch the games between the two schools and I don't want to possibly lose those games between Carey and Upper, they went to many years in the recent past without playing and I don't want that to happen again. My real hope would be that Carey go to the BVC and play US in nonleague games but that seems at this point to be highly unlikely.

[smokinjoe21]

My vote doesn't count either but myself (from Bucyrus) would like Upper

[paladin]

Mock vote: Bucyrus would vote yes for both, Crawford would vote no for Upper and yes for Elgin, Ridgedale would want another Marion county school yes for Elgin no for Upper, Crestline and Buckeye would prob look at number over anything else so 2 more nos for Upper and 2 more yeses for Elgin, I think travel would be Seneca Easts factor so no for Elgin and yes for Upper, Carey would vote for Upper since they play each other in most sports anyway. So the vote will probably come down to Wynford and Mohawk . I can see the votes being 5 to 4 for either school. Let's look at fielding teams. Both schools can field teams in varsity JV and probably freshmen for football and basketball, both schools have swimming, golf, Upper has tennis and wrestling I don't know about Elgin. So for a league sport you need 50% of the schools to have it. Wrestling schools are BC, Bucyrus, Carey, Mohawk and Seneca East. Swimming schools Bucyrus, CC, Crestline, and Wynford. Tennis might be eliminated with Crestline and Bucyrus having teams. In the NCC three of the schools that are leaving Galion, Ontario and Upper fielded these teams to make them league sports.

It doesn't make much sense for a school being able to vote for both schools. What makes sense is that each N-10 school get's one yes vote, cast it for who you want in the league. I doubt seriously Elgin can field a Freshman football team most years.

BTW, Galion, Upper and Ontario DID NOT "leave" the NCC. They were left behind with Lucas by the other 6 NCC schools.

[paladin]

I guess I mistook your quote of Upper was NEVER given consideration for the N-10, to mean that they were not having a meeting, I appologize for that. But according to the OHSAA projected enrollment numbers Upper Sandusky has 265 boys and Bucyrus has 250 boys not a 30% difference but roughly the same, so Upper's size is not the issue even though the next biggest after Bucyrus is Wynford in the 180-190 range(or about the same as Elgin). As for Upper dominating the N10 during the Micheli, Diebler, Falk years, yes they would have in Basketball especially but football although they may have won the League they would not have run roughshod over the rest. Carey played them very close during all those years and as far as that goes you can pick out any school when they have had their best athlestes and say the same thing. I would much prefer Upper Sandusky in the N10 but your information seems like it is a forgone conclusion that the new member will be Elgin. Upper brings much more to the table than Elgin. I just think US won't do well most of the time in football,but wrestling, Basketball, and all the girls sports they will be fine and when they get a run of good athletes like you mentioned before they will do well in football.

What I meant was that Upper was given ZERO consideration when the N-10 was originally formed 2 years ago. Upper was being sunk in the same boat as Galion and Ontario.

I can not believe you are quoting the OHSAA's new numbers, they are a JOKE. I guarantee you that Upper WILL be 30% larger than Bucyrus in boys sports when the mess is fixed. It is not a forgone conclusion about anything. It is logic that tells me Elgin would be admitted before Upper. And my logic is not affected by partisanship. In the N-10, if Upper would ever finish lower than 2nd in ANY sport it would be embarrassing for them.

[paladin]

Where do you find the corrected numbers and where did the OHSAA get the numbers that they published in the first place?

What planet have you been living on?? The ODE had a computer glitch and sent the wrong numbers in like at least 75% of all schools. You would get a MUCH closer look at reality by looking at the old OHSAA enrollment figures from 2010. The REAL new Upper and Bucyrus enrollment numbers will not make a big swing either way. If you want, take a look at the actual ODE spread sheet that has the head count numbers sent to them by the schools this past October. My estimate is that the Bucyrus boys enrollment number is approx 100 too high and the Upper boys enrollment number is approx 50 too high. THUS Upper has approx 30% more boys than Bucyrus. Using Joe's numbers Upper is 35% larger than Bucyrus. Elgin will end up having approx 10-15 fewer boys than Bucyrus.

[BD6372]

On the original topic of teams to the BVC, I've now heard that Upper Scioto Valley is being considered for the 14th spot (along with all the others we've read about). USV doen't seem to me to make a lot of sense but I didn't think North Baltimore did either. I heard that Ada, Bluffton and Columbus Grove are probably not interested and Carey seems to be staying with the N10 so maybe USV will be all that's left. Has anyone else heard the USV rumor?

[Terrapin]

USV=Worst. Idea. EVER.

[fourthandone]

They don't have a bunch of options. BVC has somewhat painted themselves into a corner.

[BD6372]

Upper Sandusky now looks like the likely choice for the 10th member of the N10 and the vote probably will not be close. The northern schools do not want to travel to Elgin with Upper Sandusky just a short drive away. Only Ridgedale is strongly in Elgin's corner.

[14Red]

I'd say the BVC has a better chance of dropping to 12 (Vanlue / HN) than adding #14. Not that Ada/ Bluffton/ CG is fantastic in all sports, but you look at the BVC with Hardin Northern/ Vanlue/ Arcadia / Cory Rawson, all are struggling overall as athletic programs, and the light doesn't look bright.

[Weiskittle]

Why would USV want to join the BVC? They can't even win in the NWCC?

Also at this point there travels not even bad now that Fairbanks left.

They don't have to schedule football games which is the hardest thing to do, and they can schedule whoever they want in the other sports. Its perfect.

[paladin]

Upper Sandusky now looks like the likely choice for the 10th member of the N10 and the vote probably will not be close. The northern schools do not want to travel to Elgin with Upper Sandusky just a short drive away. Only Ridgedale is strongly in Elgin's corner.

Upper Sandusky now looks too big for the N-10. They were too big 2 years ago when the same NCC schools now running the N-10 threw them under the bus. "Too big" is always more of an issue than "20 miles".

[BD6372]

Upper Sandusky now looks too big for the N-10. They were too big 2 years ago when the same NCC schools now running the N-10 threw them under the bus. "Too big" is always more of an issue than "20 miles". You could be right, but according to the people I've talked to they think that Upper Sandusky is a lock to get in the N10 but as I said earlier they are just school officials not people with a vote so this is just their opinion. I personally hope that it will be Upper Sandusky that is voted in. Do you know when the vote is to take place?

[the_show]

I was told June 3rd, which is a Monday.

[BD6372]

I was told June 3rd, which is a Monday.

Thanks, then all speculation hopefully will be over.