EHS staying in 3a bad decision

[jhilts]

South was in the same situation a couple of years ago. No offense to the Three Rivers, but South had the choice to stay in the Big 8. Huge sports gates with DB, SH, etc. were lost. It's just a fact that the athletes get better exposure and more opportunities in the higher classes. Traditional rivalries were lost. It was a huge mistake.

 

I said at the time, that I'd rather take my chances with a bigger school than have a guaranteed 50 point victory. Little glory and fan excitement in that.

 

I think the decision was made too quickly and without community input. In football, South would have been better off and may have gone farther last year and this year in 5A. The only benefit may be a Volleyball Championship and a couple of extra victories to pad the coach's records,  But at what cost?

 

 

[EHSTrack06]

I have heard that It is in discussion to continue to play boone, south, s. Hill, and tn high. So we play 3a for at least next 2 years, after then we will see what lies ahead. Track you said no one would be traveling to watch those games, I for one will. No matter who or where we play we need to support those kids 100% no matter what class or location. Thats my 2 cents worth. Tab for the majority of the past years when under the "3" classifications we also played up, but the past few years when "6" classes were used we have played where they put us. Who knows maybe Greenville may be on schedule

 

Sorry buddy but I support EHS as much as anyone on here, I make it to every game except away for Johnson Co. and Unicoi. Too far, the stadiums at some of the schools we will be playing are garbage. No seating and in order to get a seat you'll have to leave extremely early which isn't a luxury for everyone who gets off at 5-6. I'm sure the ones who won't be driving 2 hrs both ways for an away game where we will have to stand and watch a 50 point blowout still support the boys 100% So yeah, class and location do play a big role in crowd attendance and gate receipts.

 

I leave you with this, the Happy Valley/EHS game. A game that usually draws a packed house..this season even the home stands had large gaps of empty. At 7pm the away stands were not nearly full, probably only 30-45% full. The away game at North, I'd say less than maybe 300 Elizabethton fans were there? That's aiming high as well, probably only around 100 or so North fans. EHS loves their football team but I would about promise that crowds will be down at the away games for West Greene, Clairborne, and Chuckey Doak. It's basic economics, we play smaller schools with smaller stadiums means less seats, people don't want to travel so far only to have to stand and watch a slaughter. Crowds at the away games will be down next year.

 

Hopefully our new stadium doesn't become a situation where the only side filled is the home stand.

Edited October 22, 2014 by EHSTrack06

[greengreen22]

Losing Ethan and Oldes is gonna be a tough loss but we still have good players. Our line will be losing hardly anyone on either sideof the ball. We still have 3 RBs that will burn youif given an opening. Tyree and the other QB have a lot of potential. I wish we went to 4A because no one wants to see us smash West Greene, CD, Clairborne and no one will want to travel to see those games. We will be in a new stadium next season as well. Staying in 3A is an easy choice if we're wanting to compete for a title. The article, Mike Wilson said it pretty well, T$$AA is all about the $$$. They couldn't give a rat's donkey about the people dealing with their screwups.

Hoped you all would stay in 4a but it is what it is , well i guess you all will take over as the brac busters smashing all the comp. and take all of the flack that greeneville has had to deal with , i am not being sarcastic in any way , just stating the facts greeneville wanted to be placed in youralls division from the get go but due to travel times the great tSsAa decided to place us with the blue ridge conference - i myself miss those days of playing Betsy and sully south and mo west and east in the reg season but like a broken record - IT IS WHAT IT IS!  best of luck to you all the rest of the way gonna be tough for any of us going up against fulton - but who knows on that one given night ~~~~~~~~~~~

[BigBama42]

I agree GreenGreen. It is gonna be tough. Our first test will be next Thursday. Hopefully we will play our best game of the season up to this point!

[gcfball]

I agree also. It would be such a shame for Elizabethon to have to play those schools who have no chance at ever competing with them. Also, not having anywhere to sit at these no-good-for-nothing small schools would be an absolute travesty. CD, WG, and Claiborne should feel honored to be able to be on the same field with Elizabethon.

[EHSTrack06]

Stop kidding yourself, trading Greeneville for Elizabethon, things will be the same as they have been. This move isn't helping you all and it isn't helping us.

[RebRaider85]

Stop kidding yourself, trading Greeneville for Elizabethon, things will be the same as they have been. This move isn't helping you all and it isn't helping us.

I think that Greeneville will be way better off and Betsy really will regret this decision. The plus is that you have a chance to really compete in the playoffs but your regular season will probably stink worse than it does now. Outside of a few out of district games and the playoff opportunity there just does not seem much to be excited about regarding the Cyclones playing a 3A schedule.

[EHSTrack06]

You said what I was thinking but you said it in a more diplomatic way lol

[QSouth89]

I think that Greeneville will be way better off and Betsy really will regret this decision. The plus is that you have a chance to really compete in the playoffs but your regular season will probably stink worse than it does now. Outside of a few out of district games and the playoff opportunity there just does not seem much to be excited about regarding the Cyclones playing a 3A schedule.

But it's only for 2 years. Betsy can still play tough non league games. I think after this two year cycle is over they will go back to 5 classes.

[Tab]

December 1st 2015 I would like to know how much EHS made in football in 2014 and 2015. I know we will never know but I would like too. I have not heard one person say they are in favor of the move but we are not making the decision. I will admit I will not go to any conference road games next year unless they play Unicoi on the road again. Alcoa moving to 3a throws a major block in trying to win a title.

Edited October 23, 2014 by Tab

[RebRaider85]

If region 1 4A includes both Grainger and Seymour I'd bet that the South-Betsy series would have to be put on hold for a while. I don't think we could drop TNH, Boone, or Gate City. Those teams own region schedules could affect that sort of decision as well.