MHSTeCA's Forum Page

I like the idea but see two slight problems. Time, mainly in the spring season. With many AP tests, awards ceremonies, ec. that each school has for athletics as well as academics, it may be tough to get the best out of every team for 4 straight weeks given these circumstances. As the team tournament starts to break down into few teams, some of thedriving distances may get a little long as well. Causing a burden on schools financially. Asking parents to drive players at 4 dollars a gallon is asking a little much in my opinion.

I also have a question as to the teams that get defeated in the early part of the team tournament. Where do they continue to play on at for the last 4 weeks of the season?

The dual format is a great idea - A much better indicator of the true team state championship (especially if we are serious about calling ourselves a team sport). Indiana does this, and it works well. However, the difference is that Indiana has only three singles and two doubles. Sites would perhaps be a limiting factor, but surely that could be worked around. Again, I think the real question is this: Do we truly consider ourselves a team sport or not? We rank teams, but then at the end of the season, those rankings are somewhat skewed because of the format we have in regionals, state, and (I assume for everyone else) conference. Surely there have been some instances where team A would have beaten team B head-to-head, but finished behind team B in the state finals due to the flights format we now have. While some areas would suffer, as perhaps the thrid or fourth best team in one region is better than the top team in another, this happens in every team sport.

I like the present format because it allows teams to get to the state tournament that would never get there.  When you bring 16-24 teams for each division together you get to see the best in your division and with the new proposal it is just another dual match.  I think what we have is very special.  There is so much excitement at the regionals trying to get 18 points and having the possibility to send 2-4 teams to the state meet is outstanding.  There are two parts to our (Michigan) tema tennis. 1. Dual - which some teams are better at and 2. the Tournament - which other schools are better.  You have to be good at both. It will be a sad day when we change the present format to anyhting else.  We have the best of both worlds.  The new format would favor the strong programs.

Leave it the same as we have it now.