TexasHSFootball
12-17-2005, 09:10 PM
I posted this elsewhere now I am posting it here.. excuse my rant but I feel somethiing needs to be said..
Congrats to Throckmorton and Stratford this season as they accomplish something that will quite possibly never be seen again in the history of Texas HS Football. That is being the last "true" state champions. Now I must step into my soap box.
One of the ever evolving faces of competition has just trickled down into the areas that were once considered untouchable as early as the beginning of this season. Starting next season, both Class 1A and Six Man are now joining the rest of the state in declaring not one but two state champions in each classification.
Now I mean no discredit to any of the teams from this season and in the past since multiple state champions have been crowned. But the system is an absolute farce, joke and disappointment. Yes, it has succeeded in bring more championship atmospheres and feelings to the kids, coaches and fans. Yes, we have a fair system in terms of competition balance.
But the fact is that now we live in a world today that has resulted in a sympathetic cry of "we don't want to hurt people's feelings because some schools would not otherwise get the opportunity to be considered a champion." Not only has it resulted in multiple state champions in each classifications, but the sympathetic outcry has reached down into the individual qualifications.
At one time in the state, only the district, city or area champion advanced to the playoffs to determine a state champion. Then as the state grew, so did the playoffs. There were the district champions and the runner ups only advancing. Then there were three. Now there are four.
As the the playoffs expanded, the importance and meaning of being a "true" champion has diminished. Under the the current format for 1A and Six Man for this year, there is a little incentive for being the district champion but not much of one. Now with the system for 5A having four playoff teams qualify, being considered a "true" champion has become a lost art. But that has occured ever since 5A expanded in the 1990's.
Here's to Throckmorton and Stratford for being the last "true" beneficiaries of being considered as a "true" champion. Congrats and enjoy it. As we remove the word "true" from all championships in football in all levels of football from the collegiate level to high school varsity football in Texas. But wait? Who said the AP had to award the National Championship to the winner of the Rose Bowl? Like that of college football, Texas HS Football has found a way to crown multiple champions without the attempt teaching a valuable lesson at what it means to be the only team to be called a champion.
Congrats to Throckmorton and Stratford this season as they accomplish something that will quite possibly never be seen again in the history of Texas HS Football. That is being the last "true" state champions. Now I must step into my soap box.
One of the ever evolving faces of competition has just trickled down into the areas that were once considered untouchable as early as the beginning of this season. Starting next season, both Class 1A and Six Man are now joining the rest of the state in declaring not one but two state champions in each classification.
Now I mean no discredit to any of the teams from this season and in the past since multiple state champions have been crowned. But the system is an absolute farce, joke and disappointment. Yes, it has succeeded in bring more championship atmospheres and feelings to the kids, coaches and fans. Yes, we have a fair system in terms of competition balance.
But the fact is that now we live in a world today that has resulted in a sympathetic cry of "we don't want to hurt people's feelings because some schools would not otherwise get the opportunity to be considered a champion." Not only has it resulted in multiple state champions in each classifications, but the sympathetic outcry has reached down into the individual qualifications.
At one time in the state, only the district, city or area champion advanced to the playoffs to determine a state champion. Then as the state grew, so did the playoffs. There were the district champions and the runner ups only advancing. Then there were three. Now there are four.
As the the playoffs expanded, the importance and meaning of being a "true" champion has diminished. Under the the current format for 1A and Six Man for this year, there is a little incentive for being the district champion but not much of one. Now with the system for 5A having four playoff teams qualify, being considered a "true" champion has become a lost art. But that has occured ever since 5A expanded in the 1990's.
Here's to Throckmorton and Stratford for being the last "true" beneficiaries of being considered as a "true" champion. Congrats and enjoy it. As we remove the word "true" from all championships in football in all levels of football from the collegiate level to high school varsity football in Texas. But wait? Who said the AP had to award the National Championship to the winner of the Rose Bowl? Like that of college football, Texas HS Football has found a way to crown multiple champions without the attempt teaching a valuable lesson at what it means to be the only team to be called a champion.