Moving to Division II

[cbg]

Got my information from the FCS website and a frequent poster, commanderman, who was a recent graduate from the school. The comment about "selecting" was not stated as fact, but my opinion...which I stand by. 70% participation for athletics from the entire student body is barely believable if encouraged strongly enough...being "in the conversation" for a state championship in virtually every sport is not.  

With regards to the 70% participation at FCS, in the past some private schools have had a mandatory participation rule for all students.  Students were required to participate in a school sponsored afterschool activity.  It could be that FCS has the same type of rule.

[tradertwo]

With regards to the 70% participation at FCS, in the past some private schools have had a mandatory participation rule for all students.  Students were required to participate in a school sponsored afterschool activity.  It could be that FCS has the same type of rule.

You don't win state championships with kids that are required to participate...that's my point exactly. All sports team's combined probably account for over half the enrollment for the school, even accounting for multiple participation. To argue that half the student body is athletic enough to compete at the state level of competition is ludicrous, unless you allow for "selection".

[GeorgeBailey]

Got my information from the FCS website and a frequent poster, commanderman, who was a recent graduate from the school. The comment about "selecting" was not stated as fact, but my opinion...which I stand by. 70% participation for athletics from the entire student body is barely believable if encouraged strongly enough...being "in the conversation" for a state championship in virtually every sport is not.  

To quote the coach himself, "If I'm recruiting, I should be fired. I'm not doing a very good job of it." People come to FC for lots of reasons - some of those are the success they have witnessed, especially compared to other public school options in recent years. Sometimes it's just to give their kid (maybe undersized, etc.) a chance to play he or she would not have otherwise. You're welcome to your opinion. That doesn't make it true. FC is unlike many of our DII competitors in that we are secluded in rural Wilson County where there aren't multiple options if you don't like the public school route. Small atmosphere, Christian influence, the chance to compete and win where a commitment to excellence has been demonstrated. For some of us, it's home - it's where we went to school and where we want our kids to go regardless of winning or losing or college scholarships to play ball. Sorta sounds like a small public school from the past.

Edited September 22, 2016 by GeorgeBailey

[tradertwo]

To quote the coach himself, "If I'm recruiting, I should be fired. I'm not doing a very good job of it." People come to FC for lots of reasons - some of those are the success they have witnessed, especially compared to other public school options in recent years. Sometimes it's just to give their kid (maybe undersized, etc.) a chance to play he or she would not have otherwise. You're welcome to your opinion. That doesn't make it true. FC is unlike many of our DII competitors in that we are secluded in rural Wilson County where there aren't multiple options if you don't like the public school route. Small atmosphere, Christian influence, the chance to compete and win where a commitment to excellence has been demonstrated. For some of us, it's home - it's where we went to school and where we want our kids to go regardless of winning or losing or college scholarships to play ball. Sorta sounds like a small public school from the past.

 

Sorta sounds like "my" public school now. You may not understand secluded...around 500 students with no stoplight, fast food, merchandise, clothing store...nothing. Kids want to come here for the school, not athletics. 100% graduation rate, 94% college acceptance rate...yet around 70% free and reduced lunch rate (poor families). Christian curriculum isn't allowed by our benevolent government, but you can't take the Christian heart out of Christian people, and the teachers do have influence and were proud of it. We regularly turn away parents with checkbooks out asking "how much is tuition?" because they are out of county. Fundraising is tough because there are 11 (yes eleven) business's in the two combined communities around the school, yet they have constantly improved the facilities. After all that...we have to play with (and educate) the kids that get off the bus, and shouldn't have to compete against a school within a city of 76,000 people...of whom any of their children can attend IF the administration deems them to be an asset, not a liability, and where they can limit their enrollment in order to "choose" their classification.

 

   I'm not running down FCS at all, it appears to be a great option for educating and molding children into solid citizens...just stating (and explaining) what I feel are differences between public and private schools, and if there are to be two divisions, why all privates should be placed apart from the public schools.

[inthagap]

Good summary and points to be considered. A total split for play offs is totally fair. I would still like local rivals,private vs. public continue though.

[AlbertPine]

With regards to the 70% participation at FCS, in the past some private schools have had a mandatory participation rule for all students.  Students were required to participate in a school sponsored afterschool activity.  It could be that FCS has the same type of rule.

There is no rule for mandatory participation at a public/private school in the state.  That would just be a lawsuit waiting to happen.  Especially at a private school that parents could sue. That's just BS.

[MoonDogRex]

There is no rule for mandatory participation at a public/private school in the state.  That would just be a lawsuit waiting to happen.  Especially at a private school that parents could sue. That's just BS.

This is 100% incorrect. From the school of gentlemen, scholars, and athletes:

 

"Students in the High School are required to have credits each year in Physical Education upon graduation from MBA. Physical Education credits are earned through participation in after school athletics or in other approved and supervised school activities.

 

Credits are obtained by participating in all three athletic seasons per year in grades 9-12.

 

Guidelines:

 

1. To obtain an athletic credit, a student must show a good attitude and attend sessions during the full period of each athletic season.

 

2. Seniors are eligible, with the approval of the Director of Athletics, to take the spring as an off-season.

 

3. A student may receive athletic credit for participation in an alternative supervised activity recommended by the school and approved by the Director of Athletics (such as debate, musical groups, drama, athletic assistance, etc.); each of these activities will also include a fitness requirement.

 

4. Athletic credit may be earned by full participation in one of the sports listed below upon approval of the respective coaches..."

 

 

Source: page 39 of https://bbk12e1-cdn.myschoolcdn.com/ftpimages/175/misc/misc_171036.pdf

[Spartan4Life]

There is no rule for mandatory participation at a public/private school in the state. That would just be a lawsuit waiting to happen. Especially at a private school that parents could sue. That's just BS.

.

 

You're wrong. As a Webb graduate we were required at least 3 credits of physical education through sport or after school activity.

[GeorgeBailey]

Sorta sounds like "my" public school now. You may not understand secluded...around 500 students with no stoplight, fast food, merchandise, clothing store...nothing. Kids want to come here for the school, not athletics. 100% graduation rate, 94% college acceptance rate...yet around 70% free and reduced lunch rate (poor families). Christian curriculum isn't allowed by our benevolent government, but you can't take the Christian heart out of Christian people, and the teachers do have influence and were proud of it. We regularly turn away parents with checkbooks out asking "how much is tuition?" because they are out of county. Fundraising is tough because there are 11 (yes eleven) business's in the two combined communities around the school, yet they have constantly improved the facilities. After all that...we have to play with (and educate) the kids that get off the bus, and shouldn't have to compete against a school within a city of 76,000 people...of whom any of their children can attend IF the administration deems them to be an asset, not a liability, and where they can limit their enrollment in order to "choose" their classification.

 

   I'm not running down FCS at all, it appears to be a great option for educating and molding children into solid citizens...just stating (and explaining) what I feel are differences between public and private schools, and if there are to be two divisions, why all privates should be placed apart from the public schools.

No argument about the poverty vs. prosperity part. But that's not what I was talking about. You said FC selects their athletes. It's just inaccurate. Don't confuse FC with the Metro Nashville area privates. There's not a lot of similarity. We can argue about this till the cows come home and we won't see it the same. Those who are blessed to be able to choose private Christian education, often do. Remember also any improvements to the facilities or equipment are from donations. The school has to raise money to just keep the doors open. There are no tax subsidies at any level. It is a sacrifice for a lot of us to send our kids there. I could provide my wife a much nicer car than the '08 she drives now. It is hard for us but we are convinced the investment is worth it. My family has given their life to education...mostly public. I hope this option remains viable for those with the means and inclination.

[tradertwo]

No argument about the poverty vs. prosperity part. But that's not what I was talking about. You said FC selects their athletes. It's just inaccurate. Don't confuse FC with the Metro Nashville area privates. There's not a lot of similarity. We can argue about this till the cows come home and we won't see it the same. Those who are blessed to be able to choose private Christian education, often do. Remember also any improvements to the facilities or equipment are from donations. The school has to raise money to just keep the doors open. There are no tax subsidies at any level. It is a sacrifice for a lot of us to send our kids there. I could provide my wife a much nicer car than the '08 she drives now. It is hard for us but we are convinced the investment is worth it. My family has given their life to education...mostly public. I hope this option remains viable for those with the means and inclination.

 

But we do agree...I understand the sacrifice of investing in your child's future, when you could easily send them to a public and have a new automobile. You are looking at the public/private issue from a parent's point of view...do the best for your own, and I admire everyone for sacrificing for the greater good of their children. From the TSSAA's point of view...there are many dynamics that are favorable for private schools to cultivate an advantage over public schools while remaining within the guidelines of the rules. I also hope that the option to decide where your kids attend school remains your own, and that if you choose the private sector, your kid's team competes against other private schools to win a championship.

[boxer822]

CPA announced today that it will be moving to division II next year.  It's the first from the midstate to make the declaration.  Any news from the east?  West?  We have just over two weeks now.

[Rhea Co.]

CPA announced today that it will be moving to division II next year. It's the first from the midstate to make the declaration. Any news from the east? West? We have just over two weeks now.

I havnt heard much out of Chattanooga. All of the private schools have declared except for Notre Dame which I had heard they were trying to stay public but we will see. I'm interested to see what some of the Knoxville schools do. I think a large part of the midstate will go D-II