School's Player Shortage Could Mean Conference Exit

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Copyright 2014 Dayton Newspapers, Inc.
Dayton Daily News (Ohio)
By Marc Pendleton

 

A showdown could be brewing between the Midwest Athletic Conference and charter member New Bremen.

The affluent Auglaize County town is low on high school football numbers. Incoming grades have as few as 30 boys, many of whom aren't committed to football.

Administrators invited the community to an open meeting at the school Wednesday to address the program's future.

Among the options is fielding only a reserve team for one or more seasons. MAC officials reportedly won't go for that.

If New Bremen opts out of the MAC, it'll likely be an independent. That could pave the way for a major MAC reshuffling, expansion or both.

Superintendent Howard Overman said Thursday that the meeting was revealing, informative and even encouraging.

"We haven't made the decision yet but that will be quick," he said. "Our goal is to field a varsity football team and still remain in the MAC. Overall, (the meeting) went well. I'm cautiously optimistic."

It's a classic: The 31st annual Southwest Swimming & Diving Classic as usual will be spread throughout the Miami Valley and beyond Saturday and Sunday.

The event will be held at eight preliminary sites, drawing 115 teams and more than 3,000 competitors. The competition is unique in that besides the standard high school events, it also offers the longer NCAA and USA Swimming races.

St. Xavier has won every boys team title and will again be heavily favored. Ursuline Academy has won three straight girls titles.

Prelim sites are: Miami University, Mason Community Center, Milford, Trotwood-Madison and Mason high schools. Also the University of Cincinnati, Countryside YMCA, Dayton Raider Aquatic Center and West Carroll-ton YMCA.Finals are at St. Xavier's Keating Natatorium.

It's a record: High-scoring Luke Kennard of Franklin will be shooting for the career school record for most points scored today against visiting Valley View.

The 6-foot-5 junior is averaging an area-best 39.7 points and owns games of 53 and 51 points. That has helped him amass 1,427 for his career.

Just ahead of him is his uncle, Todd Kennard (1,434 points). He also is a lock to surpass head coach Brian Bales' career assist record.

Game change: The Trotwood-Madison-Dunbar boys basketball game has been moved to Jan. 27 at UD Arena. It'll be a varsity-only game with a 7:30 p.m. start.

Tickets for $6 will be available at both schools beginning today. Children 5 and younger will be admitted free.

Trotwood (11-0) is ranked No. 2 in the state in Division I. Dunbar (11-2) is No. 2 in the state in D-II.

Contact this reporter at 937-225-2381 or email Marc.Pen [email protected] Twitter: @MarcPendleton

 

January 17, 2014

 

 
 

 

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