Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, September 23, 1993 TAG: 9309230043
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BOB TEITLEBAUM STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
"We voted to split pending the approval of the process set up by the Virginia High School League," said Shawsville principal Nelson Simpkins.
That approval involves an interpretation by VHSL executive director Earl Gillespie because one rule says any new districts must be formed by March 1 of odd-numbered years while another rule allows schools from a district to form a new league with no date specified.
The Mountain Empire District made the move with the pending decision of Radford to remain in Group AA ranks or drop to Group A. Radford City Schools superintendent Dr. Michael Wright said that decision could come as early as next Tuesday.
The Mountain Empire District principals also discussed two other schools that might want to join one of the two new leagues, should they form. Those schools are George Wythe, a member of the Hogoheegee District and Pocahontas of the Black Diamond District, which is a Region D league.
If approved, with or without new schools such as Radford, the western schools would maintain the Mountain Empire District name. The league would be comprised of Fort Chiswell, Grayson County, Rocky Gap, Bland and Galax.
The other five - Auburn, Shawsville, Narrows, Giles and Floyd County - would be a newly named district.
While Simpkins refused to confirm it, Radford would probably be aligned with the newly named district, which would resemble the old New River District. In past years, when Radford decided not to drop to the Group A ranks, one of the arguments madeagainst moving down was that the school would join a league with distant schools such as Rocky Gap and Bland. This problem would be solved under the new alignment.
Radford principal Buddy Martin did not return calls about the status of his school. He said last week that one of his fears in dropping down a rank was that Blacksburg and Christiansburg of the Group AA New River District, would drop the Bobcats from their schedules. However, a source at Radford said he had been told that the two schools would continue to play the Bobcats if they drop to the Group A ranks.
If the Mountain Empire District request meets VHSL guidelines, it must be approved by two-thirds members of the Region C.
"We feel confident the Pioneer District will support us," Simpkins said. "This is not a plan forcing anyone to do something, but it provides more options.
"The division has nothing to do with Radford. We want to divide because of some of the benefits that would be readily available to us. Whatever Radford does is their choice."
Grayson County is opposed to the move. As an outlying school, it might have a hard time scheduling games. Playing in the Mountain Empire as it is set up, Grayson County has eight football games and 18 basketball games. If the league splits, Grayson would have only three football games and eight in basketball.
However, the Blue Devils do have one of the league's largest followings and they might be able to schedule games against Radford, as well as continue playing some of the members of the new district.
Simpkins expects to hear from the VHSL within two days on whether the Mountain Empire District can split.
by CNB