Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, November 12, 1994 TAG: 9411300014
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B2 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: BOB TEITLEBAUM
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
It depends on whom you talk to, but the smart money is on the Virginia High School league approving such a move in 11 months.
Opponents of the shift are fearful that Blacksburg and Christiansburg would get their wish and be placed in the Blue Ridge along with William Byrd, Northside, Salem, Lord Botetourt, Alleghany and Rockbridge County should the move be made.
That would be a super district, and a super tough one to advance out of into the regional to the state. In such a scenario, the Blue Ridge's competitiveness would put it at a disadvantage compared to other weaker Region IV districts.
There are other opponents. One Region IV basketball coach says his dream of taking a team to the state's final four would be impossible if the Blue Ridge and its basketball powers move in.
But here's why this move will happen: The rest of the state is not going to stand for Region IV having 12 teams fight for state berths while other regions have 18 or more.
If the Blue Ridge balks, one high-standing VHSL official says the Group AA board has the votes to make it happen. The Blue Ridge is too committed to the move to back out now. So listen to the rumors, but realize that balance is coming to the Group AA regional. Right now, the Blue Ridge is in the catbird seat and is unable to back out.
Now, for more on the new alignment. Principals in the Seminole and Piedmont districts already have decided to split into three districts. Supposedly, the Pittsylvania County schools - Gretna, Tunstall, Dan River and Chatham - will merge with Altavista, William Campbell, and possibly Nelson County and Buckingham County in forming a new district.
The Piedmont will then consist of Laurel Park, Martinsville, Magna Vista, Patrick County, Bassett and Fieldale-Collinsville. The Seminole will have Staunton River, Liberty, Brookville, Rustburg, Appomattox County, Jefferson Forest and possibly Nelson County.
Heritage is ready to drop to Group AA, giving the Seminole another school. Amherst County is expected to have Group AAA enrollment and, as Carroll County did, will ask for an exemption to remain in Group AA. The Lancers will be denied permission.
Heritage's drop will come just prior to a similar move by E.C. Glass, which also has a Group AA enrollment.
All the more reason for the Blue Ridge to move.
Here's another scary note. A drop by Heritage and E.C. Glass would mean Roanoke Valley District schools, which have played the two Lynchburg opponents, would have to find two new Group AAA teams to play. That means greater travel.
If William Fleming ever drops to Group AA size - don't bet against the Colonels dropping to Group AA for the same reasons Heritage is considering - less travel and bigger crowds from visiting schools that are closer to Roanoke, or Lynchburg as the case may be.
FUTURE OPPONENT: Pulaski County is expecting to lose a football game scheduled against Bluefield next year because West Virginia schools renew contracts on odd-numbered years instead of even-numbered as they do in Virginia.
It might be tough for the Cougars to find a game, unless they flip-flop dates with Anacostia, D.C., to leave the first week open. Then Pulaski County can add a game against Richlands, which also might lose a game with a West Virginia school.
CHALLENGE TO NERVO: When Glenvar's Trish Nervo tries for her third consecutive Group A cross country girls' state championship today, she could face one of her toughest challengers in Valerie Echevarria of Brentsville District.
Echevarria, a freshman, has lost only once in a meet that featured many Group AAA Northern Virginia runners.
Favoring Nervo is her two years of state experience. But Echevarria might make Nervo's final two years of state competition very interesting.
LOOKING FOR A HOME: The Region C girls' basketball tournament was in limbo for the final two nights. It's the Hogoheegee District's turn to host the event, but a problem arose when Emory & Henry College's gym wasn't available.
Castlewood has a new gym, but rules state the tournament must be held at a neutral site. The Blue Devils will be one of the teams fighting for a regional crown.
Now the plan calls for district champions to play host to first-round games. The semifinals and finals are scheduled for John Battle High, a former Group AA school that is now a member of the Hogoheegee District.
by CNB