GSL benefits from split in classes

The rest of the state apparently has discovered what the Greater Spokane League learned. A 4A-3A conference split is not all that bad.

Because of the realization, University activities coordinator Ken VanSickle believes the GSL will likely remain much the same rather than having more schools drop to Class 3A next year as has been speculated.

The enrollment count coming in December will determine where Washington schools are placed among six classifications based upon 17 percent partitioning.

University was on the cusp of the current 4A/3A divide, which was 1,280 students, and is one of the schools looking to drop down a classification.

“Everyone was under the impression, including us, that with opt-ups the new count would be 1,330 or 1,320,” VanSickle said. “With that we were going to be 3A with only a couple of 4A remaining.”

He said Titans coaches welcomed it for the most part, which is a change from two years ago when 4A schools decried the split because it cost the larger schools regional and state allocations.

“Schools felt they were getting penalized by schools going 3A, with the Big Nine having the upper hand and able to dictate to us how the playoffs were going to be,” VanSickle said. “In the beginning it was, ‘Man, we don’t like that.’ We lost allocations and the 3As, in our opinion, were getting their cake and eating it too, with more people in the playoffs.”

The change proved beneficial for the league overall. Consider that last year four football teams qualified for state, and three reached the final eight. The GSL had two state volleyball champions and a total of four placers. Soccer sent four schools to state and track produced two boys team champs. The league has had six boys team champions in cross country over the past three seasons as North Central’s move to 3A benefited the 4A.

Certainly the move was a boon to the NC Indians, who also have had state success they might not otherwise have had with state trophies in basketball and titles in track. Rogers boys basketball reached state last season. Perhaps it came at the expense of a 4A school’s trip, perhaps not.

In general, such success is why the GSL stance has softened regarding the move to 3A, VanSickle said.

“Even though some still say if we were all 4A it would be better for us, in the big picture we think it is much better for the league,” he said.

Statewide, other schools are getting the same idea, with leagues exploring the idea of combination leagues. How that will affect GSL regional and state allotments remains to be seen.

“Wherever we fall, we’ll fall and will deal with it,” VanSickle said. “(But) I honestly believe you won’t see a huge change in our league.”

Brotherly love

Much is at stake Friday when Mead travels for football at University – for both schools and two brothers as well. Adam Daniel is offensive line coach at Mead, and Jason Daniel is the linebackers and special teams coach at U-Hi, their alma mater.

Both played at the University of Idaho, which like the Panthers and Titans is enjoying a successful season.

“Every year they meet on the 50-yard line both before and after the game to give a friendly jibe and brotherly hug,” said their mother, Patty.

Friendly, brotherly maybe. But with both teams 5-2 and in playoff position, it will be game on.