Changing Athletic Seasons in High School Sports

by Rich Hulkow, Assistant Principal and Athletic Director

Last year, the MHSAA (Michigan High School Athletic Association) changed the seasons of competition for a number of boys and girls sports ~ girls basketball, boys and girls golf, boys and girls tennis and volleyball. Because of these changes, many athletes were forced to make choices as to which sports they would play. Today, I am writing an article on how these changes affected Marshall Athletes.

VOLLEYBALL: Volleyball had their first season in the fall rather than winter. The result of this change was lower attendance throughout our league. A big reason for the decline in attendance is people did not attend the Saturday tournaments. The main reason for the decline in Saturday attendance is attributed to fans going to college football games and the great weather.

GIRLS GOLF: Our girls golf team had the distinction of playing twice in the same year. They played last spring and then two months later played again in the fall. Because of the choices of sports in the fall, many schools throughout the state did not have enough players to have a team. Marshall's team followed the state trend with less girls trying out for the fall season.

BOYS TENNIS: The boys tennis team was a sport that was really affected by the season switch. Many of the boys who played tennis opted to play soccer and football. The result was many of the varsity letter winners did not return to play. The number of players who did was down from the previous spring numbers. On the bright side, other athletes who normally would not play tennis had an opportunity to play.

The changes in sports seasons may be difficult for our current athletes but in time, we will all become adjusted to these changes and this will become history.

I would like to thank our boys and girls basketball head coaches, Dan Coddens and Sal Konkle for their cooperation and organization in sharing the high school gym and Walters' gym. Their hard work has made the winter season enjoyable for all. Both teams are having great seasons and we congratulate these fine coaches! Next year, our basketball format may change to the boys and girls varsity teams playing double headers and freshman and JV teams playing on different nights. These decisions will be made later this year.

SUMMER 2008: This summer, the high school will shut down completely due to renovations beginning June 12 through August 22. Please watch future articles in the community paper as well as the high school newsletter outlining practices, weight lifting, contact information, etc. for next year's fall sports.

For more information on this topic, contact the Superintendent's Office at 781-1250, extension 1105.

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