Reaction To Georgia Holding Separate Playoffs For Private, Public Schools

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Michael Carvell

http://www.ajc.com/sports/high-school/mixed-reaction-to-split-1298519.html

There was mixed reaction from officials across the state after the Georgia High School Association voted 37-12 on Tuesday in favor of holding separate playoffs and championships for Class A’s private and public schools:

Steve Jones, athletic director for Cobb County Schools: “I think this move is long overdue. I am glad to see the GHSA took this step. It will prevent these schools from leaving and starting their own organization, which would weaken the GHSA. The gap in public and private schools is widening, so this now gives the small public schools a chance to compete for state championships in all sports. I applaud the GHSA executive committee for addressing this inequity. The GHSA is committed to leveling the playing field, and this is a step in the right direction.”

Mark Ledford, football coach at Wilcox County (Class A): “If things didn’t go as it did today, would [the split from the GHSA] have come to fruition? I don’t know. But I do know there were a good number of schools committed to do it. There are so many differences between public and private schools in Class A. … I think the vote was a good thing — and the right thing to do. Classifications should be set up for schools that are alike. Schools that aren’t alike shouldn’t be playing each other.”

Kenny Dallas, football coach at Landmark Christian (Class A): “I’ve been at Landmark for 11 years and some of my greatest memories include having the privilege of playing great public programs such as Clinch County and Lincoln County [in the playoffs]. I am disappointed for all future Georgia high school athletes and coaches … I always thought Georgia was superior because in our playoffs ‘the best’ always had an equal opportunity to play ‘the best.’ We no longer have that opportunity.”

Mark Kelly, athletic director at St. Pius (Class AAA): “The public-private issue in Class A has been an ongoing problem for a long time. It was not going to simply go away on its own. The GHSA committee formed last year had recommended the separation of public and private school playoffs in most sports but not all. I see this as an extension of that sentiment and plan.”

Dave Chandler, athletic director at Woodward Academy (Class AAA): “This sets in motion the division of public and private schools in GHSA. It will be just a matter of time before all public schools in GHSA tell the association they do not want to compete against the private schools for the state tournaments. This has been established now. I believe in the next few years you will see the private schools establish their own association with their own set of rules and regulations.”

Donald Chumley, football coach at Savannah Christian (Class A): “I am very disappointed in the GHSA. They let the egos of some well-named coaches stand in the way of what is best for the state of Georgia.”

Milo Mathis, athletic director at Chattahoochee (Class AAAAA): “I’m glad those schools got some relief. The move addressed one of the two biggest competitive disadvantages in the current alignment — the other being at the top with the Gwinnett mega-schools.”

Brad Waggoner, football coach at Chattooga (Class AA): “Personally, I don’t think they should have separated anything. It now makes it subjective to which 16 teams are chosen [for the playoffs] and even then you do not have a real state champion. I’ve been beat by Lovett before, but I would much rather play and lose against the best than win with a watered-down format.”