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Seriously, why are there rankings for high school sports? I'm curious to see the feedback.
I'm sure I'll read about newspapers looking to sell more newspapers, creating interest and stuff like that. Let's be realistic here - who cares?
Coaches say they don't want to be ranked, but they'll also be the first to point out the fact they were overlooked at the end of the year if they played well. On Tuesday, an up-and-coming Oak Park team beat Naperville Central without Florida State-bound Casey Short. Taking nothing away from the Huskies, but one big-time Division I player makes a huge difference in girls soccer.
Don't believe me - just look at former New Trier star Kayanne Gummersall. Anyone who tells me her mere presence on the field didn't make a difference, needs to go visit the doctor and find a clue.
For years, I've sat in the stands at North Central College and debated with well-respected coaches about whether the team that wins the state title should be ranked No. 1 at the end of the year.
Every year, I've said no. The IHSA-YSO system is an outdated, geographic system - not a ranking system. It's unbalanced and unfair to be used that way. It's a tournament that used to be viewed as the best vs. the best, but that was in the 20th century.
Again, for example, if Waubonsie Valley lost to Fremd in the title game last year - Fremd should be the No. 1 team at the end even though Waubonsie Valley hadn't lost a game all season? Not taking anything away from a fine Vikings' squad, but we're basically saying the regular season means nothing then. It doesn't make a difference if you went through the toughest sectional in the state either. This isn't the NCAA Tournament where teams are seeded and the brackets are somewhat balanced.
Why play a strong schedule then if all that matters is one game? Is someone going to tell me that Lyons was one of the top four teams in the state the years it finished fourth?
If so, let me get that doctor's number for you.
- Joe Trost
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people like to see where teams are ranked. it's a society thing today, but they don't mean anything until ths end.
With all due respect to Casey Short who is a fabulous player, I question whether any team is really a top TEAM if the loss of one player will result in a loss to an up and comer . . .