H.S. program sustainability

[default]

Was wondering how other parts of the state are seeing tryout numbers . There is a real developing trend in NWO that MOST not ALL. Schools, even traditional power houses are have a continued decline in participants. I know some schools have 45 likes try out, but most are trending in mid to upper twenties.

I think in five years, half the schools won't have jv programs...and maybe that's ok with the difficulty of schools getting coaches.

 

[default]

I see our numbers going up...but as the HS coach I am available 24/7 365 to help my player improve, not only at the HS level but more so at the younger ages. If players and parents see the HS taking time away from his family and showing that much dedication, then they are more likely to work harder.

 

[default]

Our high school has 42 girls on Varsity, JV, & Freshman teams.........All but maybe 3 are currently playing Travel Ball
Our Junior High has 30 girls on 2 teams............At least 80% of them play Select..........

I saw girls cut from HS team that could start for lots of Varsity teams....

 

[default]

From my experience, participation levels are driven by the success of the HS teams plus the environment created by the varsity HC and AD. Five to six years ago in the district where I coached MS we would have 23 - 28 7th graders and 17-19 8th graders tryout each year. This year there were 13 girls showed up for each grade, no cuts obviously and many girls that played local summer softball went to the track team. Might have something to do with the varsity record of 6-46 over the past two years and no seniors wanting to return to play for HC. If you are lucky to have a positive, fair minded HC, count your blessings.

 

[default]

I do think there's a downward trend overall as well, and agree that the success of the program and reputation of the coaches are a big factor. But I think another factor is that year-round softball has raised the bar, and that the drop is due to some non-travel players being unable to keep up and compete for playing time, while some travel players deciding they don't want to make that much of a commitment any more.

 

[default]

There is for sure a downward trend in NWO, 7 years ago in the Toledo City League there were 8 schools that had pure freshman teams... Now just 2 do, it's a different league now but none the less. I've also heard like SGS said, some local powerhouses just getting enough kids to have 2 teams, and a few more not sure if they will have enough.

The reason there are haves and have nots inregards to numbers in NWO is simple, feeder programs. Maumee high school has the top feeder program and should be an example of what feeder programs could be, I'm sure they are healthy at the high school level in regard to numbers. Take a look for you in NWO the programs that have hands on varsity coaches with community teams and the community allows them to be, have healthy programs. Clock punching coaches or communities that don't want any input from varsity coaches aren't.

 

[default]

I wonder what the correlation is between having a strong local rec program at the younger ages and the turn out in players at the high school level.

I would think communities that invest in making their local rec league strong at the coach pitch and up levels would have more girls who stay interested and play high school ball.

The better players may eventually leave even a strong rec program, but I think the investment starting at the young ages thourgh 10 or 12u before they move to travel can help in keeping the girls interested throughout their formative years so they will still be playing in high school.

 

[default]

I wonder what the correlation is between having a strong local rec program at the younger ages and the turn out in players at the high school level.

IMO...it's one of the most important components.

 

[default]

Our school system has had an increase in players. We also have more high schools.

 

[default]

Strong Youth Rec Program = Typically Strong HS Program

weak rec program = typically weak hs program

 

[default]

Marion City Schools has a varsity and jv at high school level and at middle school level there is now 7th and 8th grade sanctioned teams and a 6th grade club team. There are two travel ball organizations as well as other travel ball teams from the Marion Area. County schools in Marion also with strong programs.

 

[default]

We are really down this year in the mid 20's with only 11 for the JV but i think its just a function of the girls and timing because we have 3 middle school teams this year. 2-7th grade and 1-8th grade so numbers should sustain higher if the same girls keep coming out.