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District 10A Tournament


The Consultant
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4 hours ago, BobBBucks said:

Consultant, plenty public school employees know their students financial situation.  Many particitate on these boards. You might want to think what you are asking through.  It is a clean program,  but as in any public or private program, it isn't perfect and things happen.

 

What I'm asking through? What? I'm only going off Karl98 comments. 

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6 hours ago, LastBallerStanding said:

I think this may be going a little too far on this board.

 

You're probably right thanks to Karl98. I don't even know why this has been a debate. He knows everything that goes on at CA so it should have ended with his first post. We all should of agreed with him and been done. 

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FYI:

Dear CA Family:

The administration of Columbia Academy has recommended and the Board of Directors has approved a change related to Columbia Academy athletics. Beginning in the 2019-2020 school year, Columbia Academy plans to compete in Division II (the private school division) of the TSSAA. The most significant and immediate change with this move is that, in 2019, receiving need-based financial aid will no longer cause a student to be ineligible for varsity sports. While we are excited about the future of CA athletics in this new environment, we want to address questions you may have as we enter this new era together.

Q. Why are we making this change?
A. This change has been under consideration for several years. The changing competitive landscape in this area and across the state has made it increasingly difficult to justify continuing to compete in Division I. The benefits we once enjoyed in this division - playing local teams and enjoying local competition - have all but disappeared. Ultimately, we want to compete in a league where we are welcomed as partners. At this time, we feel we can best accomplish our school’s mission by competing in Division II, and we're ready for this transition.

Q. Does this change mean we can give "scholarships" to athletes based on their athletic ability?
A. No. Under TSSAA rules, all financial aid must be need-based. Need is determined by one of the TSSAA approved third-party agencies that reviews all financial aid applications and determines financial need.

Q. Does joining this division mean we can recruit student-athletes?
A. Contrary to popular assumptions about Division II athletics, the answer is no. Under TSSAA rules, athletic recruiting is prohibited for ALL schools. The TSSAA By-Laws states, "Athletic recruiting is prohibited. Athletic recruiting is the use of influence on a student or the parents or guardians of a student, by any person(s) directly or indirectly associated with the school, to secure or retain a student for athletic purposes."

Q. So if we can't recruit or give athletics-based scholarships, what does this change really mean for families of CA athletes?
A. In short, it means that varsity student athletes and families who cannot afford to pay full tuition may be able to qualify for limited financial assistance. In the past, this assistance would have disqualified them from playing sports at CA. In the past, siblings of varsity student-athletes could not qualify for financial assistance. Also, parents of varsity athletes could not hold a part-time job at CA. Further, last year the option to do work study was eliminated for varsity athletes. None of these restrictions will apply in Division II.

Q. How much financial aid will CA offer, and can the school afford to do that?
A. CA limits financial aid (only available to non-varsity athletes) to a maximum award of 50% of tuition regardless of need. We currently plan to continue this practice for both athletes and non-athletes after moving to Division II. We believe it is important for families to be willing to sacrifice with a financial commitment for their child to attend Columbia Academy. By limiting the financial aid offered, the school's budget will not be significantly impacted because of the revenue gained from additional students. We will also reinstate the opportunity for work study for varsity athletes who need assistance, which could also help to offset tuition costs.

Q. What will travel be like in Division II?
A. Travel will be increased for our teams, but not to unreasonable locations. Our new district opponents will most likely be in the Nashville/Franklin areas. Some postseason play may require longer trips.

Q. Will we still be able to play public schools if we join Division II?
A. Yes. Some public schools may choose to continue competing with us, but we won't be competing with them for championships.

Q. How competitive will we be in Division II?
A. One of the board's strategic goals is to have a "consistently competitive, Christ-centered athletic program." We are very confident in our ability to be competitive in Division II. We have invested the resources and the time into preparing for this change. While athletic success is about more than just wins and losses, Columbia Academy views athletics as a tool to help us accomplish our mission of shaping the lives of young people. Several of our teams already compete very well against schools in Division II, and we are confident of and committed to our continued athletic success.

Q. Is this decision going to fundamentally change Columbia Academy?
A. No. Ultimately, our mission is at the forefront of all that we do. Our mission states, "Columbia Academy is committed to serving its students so they master skills, knowledge, and character appropriate for them and their future while becoming Christ-like in attitude and behavior." Our top priorities are and always will be the spiritual development and academic preparation of our students. While athletic success is not our top priority, we cannot ignore the fact that these programs can be a powerful tool to help us shape young lives and reach a broader audience with our mission. Athletics also provides our CA family with a sense of community and school pride. This decision to change divisions will not equal a change in our priorities.

I trust that you may have more questions regarding this important decision for our student body. Our administration welcomes your feedback and further questions. This communication today is to help clear up any misconceptions and/or concerns about this change. It is also intended to provide you with accurate information about this change for potential conversations you may have with others outside the CA community.

Primarily, I want you to understand and embrace this new vision for athletics at Columbia Academy. We humbly ask for God to continue to bless our school and our students as we move forward in this new direction. Ultimately, our goal continues to be to glorify Him in all that we do.

Thanks for your continued support. Go Dawgs!

James A. Thomas, Ed.D.
President

 

 

Well I guess that settles it!! Good riddance!

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Congrats everyone. You all can take off your diapers and stop your crying. 

I predict this will have a worse affect on all small MCPS in the end when more and more student athletes grow tired of the lack of support from the admin, AD's who won't and don't put in the work to insure all sports programs are successful and the ridiculous bad coaching so the students parents pull them out for CA when they see the importance that CA puts into the athletic programs. 

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30 minutes ago, The Consultant said:

Congrats everyone. You all can take off your diapers and stop your crying. 

I predict this will have a worse affect on all small MCPS in the end when more and more student athletes grow tired of the lack of support from the admin, AD's who won't and don't put in the work to insure all sports programs are successful and the ridiculous bad coaching so the students parents pull them out for CA when they see the importance that CA puts into the athletic programs. 

Right, so how many wins did CA's Jr high team win this year? 1 or 2? Must not have put in the work, right? Bad coaching? AD not supportive of Jr high team? I predict CA is going to get their clock cleaned once their in Division II. Have fun going to Nashville and Hendersonville for district competition! I'm sure parents are going to sign their kids up quickly for that! At least y'all have plenty of buses! Passed one today going to Pulaski!

Edited by maurycountyhoops
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13 hours ago, maurycountyhoops said:

FYI:

Dear CA Family:

The administration of Columbia Academy has recommended and the Board of Directors has approved a change related to Columbia Academy athletics. Beginning in the 2019-2020 school year, Columbia Academy plans to compete in Division II (the private school division) of the TSSAA. The most significant and immediate change with this move is that, in 2019, receiving need-based financial aid will no longer cause a student to be ineligible for varsity sports. While we are excited about the future of CA athletics in this new environment, we want to address questions you may have as we enter this new era together.

Q. Why are we making this change?
A. This change has been under consideration for several years. The changing competitive landscape in this area and across the state has made it increasingly difficult to justify continuing to compete in Division I. The benefits we once enjoyed in this division - playing local teams and enjoying local competition - have all but disappeared. Ultimately, we want to compete in a league where we are welcomed as partners. At this time, we feel we can best accomplish our school’s mission by competing in Division II, and we're ready for this transition.

Q. Does this change mean we can give "scholarships" to athletes based on their athletic ability?
A. No. Under TSSAA rules, all financial aid must be need-based. Need is determined by one of the TSSAA approved third-party agencies that reviews all financial aid applications and determines financial need.

Q. Does joining this division mean we can recruit student-athletes?
A. Contrary to popular assumptions about Division II athletics, the answer is no. Under TSSAA rules, athletic recruiting is prohibited for ALL schools. The TSSAA By-Laws states, "Athletic recruiting is prohibited. Athletic recruiting is the use of influence on a student or the parents or guardians of a student, by any person(s) directly or indirectly associated with the school, to secure or retain a student for athletic purposes."

Q. So if we can't recruit or give athletics-based scholarships, what does this change really mean for families of CA athletes?
A. In short, it means that varsity student athletes and families who cannot afford to pay full tuition may be able to qualify for limited financial assistance. In the past, this assistance would have disqualified them from playing sports at CA. In the past, siblings of varsity student-athletes could not qualify for financial assistance. Also, parents of varsity athletes could not hold a part-time job at CA. Further, last year the option to do work study was eliminated for varsity athletes. None of these restrictions will apply in Division II.

Q. How much financial aid will CA offer, and can the school afford to do that?
A. CA limits financial aid (only available to non-varsity athletes) to a maximum award of 50% of tuition regardless of need. We currently plan to continue this practice for both athletes and non-athletes after moving to Division II. We believe it is important for families to be willing to sacrifice with a financial commitment for their child to attend Columbia Academy. By limiting the financial aid offered, the school's budget will not be significantly impacted because of the revenue gained from additional students. We will also reinstate the opportunity for work study for varsity athletes who need assistance, which could also help to offset tuition costs.

Q. What will travel be like in Division II?
A. Travel will be increased for our teams, but not to unreasonable locations. Our new district opponents will most likely be in the Nashville/Franklin areas. Some postseason play may require longer trips.

Q. Will we still be able to play public schools if we join Division II?
A. Yes. Some public schools may choose to continue competing with us, but we won't be competing with them for championships.

Q. How competitive will we be in Division II?
A. One of the board's strategic goals is to have a "consistently competitive, Christ-centered athletic program." We are very confident in our ability to be competitive in Division II. We have invested the resources and the time into preparing for this change. While athletic success is about more than just wins and losses, Columbia Academy views athletics as a tool to help us accomplish our mission of shaping the lives of young people. Several of our teams already compete very well against schools in Division II, and we are confident of and committed to our continued athletic success.

Q. Is this decision going to fundamentally change Columbia Academy?
A. No. Ultimately, our mission is at the forefront of all that we do. Our mission states, "Columbia Academy is committed to serving its students so they master skills, knowledge, and character appropriate for them and their future while becoming Christ-like in attitude and behavior." Our top priorities are and always will be the spiritual development and academic preparation of our students. While athletic success is not our top priority, we cannot ignore the fact that these programs can be a powerful tool to help us shape young lives and reach a broader audience with our mission. Athletics also provides our CA family with a sense of community and school pride. This decision to change divisions will not equal a change in our priorities.

I trust that you may have more questions regarding this important decision for our student body. Our administration welcomes your feedback and further questions. This communication today is to help clear up any misconceptions and/or concerns about this change. It is also intended to provide you with accurate information about this change for potential conversations you may have with others outside the CA community.

Primarily, I want you to understand and embrace this new vision for athletics at Columbia Academy. We humbly ask for God to continue to bless our school and our students as we move forward in this new direction. Ultimately, our goal continues to be to glorify Him in all that we do.

Thanks for your continued support. Go Dawgs!

James A. Thomas, Ed.D.
President

 

 

Well I guess that settles it!! Good riddance!

Why don't they leave now?

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8 hours ago, maurycountyhoops said:

Right, so how many wins did CA's Jr high team win this year? 1 or 2? Must not have put in the work, right? Bad coaching? AD not supportive of Jr high team? I predict CA is going to get their clock cleaned once their in Division II. Have fun going to Nashville and Hendersonville for district competition! I'm sure parents are going to sign their kids up quickly for that! At least y'all have plenty of buses! Passed one today going to Pulaski!

Each school is eventually going to have a down year and bad season. But when schools have a tradition of bad seasons over and over then yes the work hasn't been put in and most the time it's a result of bad coaching. 

Please let's not debate Maury County Jr High Basketball. We all know those championships mean little in High School since the results don't carry over. One particular school has dominated girls Jr high basketball for years but there hasn't been any high school district championships and the same result over and over in the region with first round losses. I think one year a sub state appearance was made. After Jr High kids grow, some kids don't they may have the "man child" that had already peaked, kids stop playing, kids leave, new kids arrive, etc... Jr High Sports is good for the competitive nature for they age but again little results for the High School level. 

 

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Now with CA out of the way can Maury County address the real issue? To many small schools! Tennessee has moved away from multiple small unit schools. Being in the very bottom of enrollment there is no way Hampshire and Santa Fe can compete across the board in Single A outside Maury County. 

Beside Mt. Pleasant none of the Maury County Boys high school teams have won a single region game since Cully did with the Columbia transfers back in 2008-2009. The failure to win a region game by all this local teams had nothing to do with CA. 

It's definitely time to make a change!  

Another note: CA will struggle across the board in sports for a few years but once a few Maury County athletes transfer there, with the financial aid, they will be fine in the main sports. (football, basketball, baseball and softball)

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