HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS TAC prepares to vote on super conference

Officials from the MAC and the ICL already have approved the new league.
By BRIAN RICHESSON
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
The Metro Athletic Conference and Inter-County League have agreed to move forward in the formation of a Mahoning Valley super conference.
The Trumbull Athletic Conference is on the clock.
"The two leagues are determined to pursue this, regardless of any outcome by the TAC," MAC commissioner Clem Zumpella said.
On May 11, TAC principals are scheduled to vote on whether their conference should become part of the super conference. If approved, the 20-plus schools would begin their allegiance in the fall of 2005.
Balancing the field
"The main premise for this is a better level of competition for everyone involved," said Hubbard athletic director Paul Andraso, a super conference proponent. "We think we can accomplish that."
Zumpella added, "In each conference, we have schools getting larger and schools getting smaller. It's creating a bigger gap in competition.
"We just feel that kids should have a chance to win every contest they play."
All three conferences have held a hand in writing the super conference's constitution and by-laws. Even a super conference name (MIT, representing the Metro, Inter-County and Trumbull alliance) has been proposed.
School placement
The super conference would include multiple divisions, determined by the number and size of schools in each sport.
"That's one of the positive things," Andraso said. "If you slide down or you become a bigger school, you don't have to leave the conference. You're just realigned. That makes it much easier."
Exactly where each school fits into that system is still unknown. That uncertainty, particularly in football because of the importance placed on playoff points, has made some schools hesitant.
"This probably would have happened last fall if all the schools agreed to a method of setting up the divisions," Zumpella said.
The super conference will not be limited to MAC, ICL and TAC members. Other Mahoning Valley schools will have an opportunity to apply, Zumpella said.
"Once the voting has been completed, we'll ask for applications from schools within the traveling radius of the league," he said, "and we'll have the opportunity to accept or decline."
Foremost in the process, however, is the TAC vote on May 11.
"Until the TAC gets on board, how do you set up divisions?" Zumpella said.
"We need to hear from the TAC officially," he added. "That's the bottom line as far as how we're going to proceed."
richesson@vindy.com