Congrats to the three Frederick County high schools for placing 1,2,3 at this past weekend's Region II meet at Park View. Millbrook, James Wood, and Sherando were separated by 16 1/2 points. Fourth place was 30 points back of third, so no once can deny that the power of the region not only resides in the Northwestern but has its home office in Frederick.
Here's the facts: Millbrook, two-time Region II champ, 4th in AA last season. Two region champs Saturday, five qualifiers for state. James Wood, solid forever (it seems like), one champ, five qualifiers for state. Sherando, one coach in its 16 seasons, one champ (this season), region-best seven qualifers.
Let's see ... that's 17 qualifiers out of 56 moving on to state out of Region II. Almost a third getting a chance at state, and a few others that finished fifth and just missed (they are alternates and one or two lucky ones might move on if any of the top four in any class withdraw before Friday's opening round).
I am not here to brag about the Frederick County schools so much (although it may appear that way). I am just stressing how these high school programs get better because their feeder systems do their part to get these kids ready for the level they'll see at the high school led by outstanding coaches like Haines (Millbrook), Walker (James Wood) and Martin (Sherando).
There is a chance those feeder systems at Admiral Byrd Middle, Robert E. Aylor Middle, Frederick County Middle, and James Wood Middle may go by the wayside if the FC School Board follows the advice of its superintendent to cut middle school programs as part of a shortfall. A total of 143 teaching jobs could be lost as well with these "budget cuts" for fiscal 2010. It's been in all the news around this area for weeks. The wrestlers would still have clubs to fall behind, like Willie Walters and the Madmen. But cutting out middle schools sports? We all know that is not the way to go. For a lot, sports is what keeps kids in school. And I know MHS, SHS, and JWHS look forward to have feeder programs continue to prepare kids for the next level. One middle school coach offered to work for free. Hopefully, the middle school programs will be saved by the 11th hour.
Here's the facts: Millbrook, two-time Region II champ, 4th in AA last season. Two region champs Saturday, five qualifiers for state. James Wood, solid forever (it seems like), one champ, five qualifiers for state. Sherando, one coach in its 16 seasons, one champ (this season), region-best seven qualifers.
Let's see ... that's 17 qualifiers out of 56 moving on to state out of Region II. Almost a third getting a chance at state, and a few others that finished fifth and just missed (they are alternates and one or two lucky ones might move on if any of the top four in any class withdraw before Friday's opening round).
I am not here to brag about the Frederick County schools so much (although it may appear that way). I am just stressing how these high school programs get better because their feeder systems do their part to get these kids ready for the level they'll see at the high school led by outstanding coaches like Haines (Millbrook), Walker (James Wood) and Martin (Sherando).
There is a chance those feeder systems at Admiral Byrd Middle, Robert E. Aylor Middle, Frederick County Middle, and James Wood Middle may go by the wayside if the FC School Board follows the advice of its superintendent to cut middle school programs as part of a shortfall. A total of 143 teaching jobs could be lost as well with these "budget cuts" for fiscal 2010. It's been in all the news around this area for weeks. The wrestlers would still have clubs to fall behind, like Willie Walters and the Madmen. But cutting out middle schools sports? We all know that is not the way to go. For a lot, sports is what keeps kids in school. And I know MHS, SHS, and JWHS look forward to have feeder programs continue to prepare kids for the next level. One middle school coach offered to work for free. Hopefully, the middle school programs will be saved by the 11th hour.
