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ITCL will shift to three divisions in spring
By Greg Gulas
AUSTINTOWN
As the Inter Tri-County League heads into its second decade of operation, one sweeping change is set to take place this spring while expansion remains a hot topic.
Speaking to the Curbstone Coaches on Monday, ITCL commissioner Paul Andraso called the ITCL one of the most competitive and balanced conferences in the state.
The next change begins in the spring with the ITCL going from two divisions to three: North, Central and South.
The North has Jackson-Milton, Lowellville, McDonald, Mineral Ridge, Sebring and Western Reserve.
The Central is comprised of Crestview, East Palestine, South Range, Springfield Local and United.
The South has Columbiana, Leetonia, Lisbon, Southern Local and Wellsville.
Andraso, the former athletic director at Hubbard High School, oversaw the 2005 merger of the Inter-County League and Tri-County League.
“The Tri-County League was formed in 1932 and the Inter-County League in 1951 so when the two leagues merged, each had a storied history in all sports that was absorbed,” Andraso said. “Schools in our league represent OHSAA Divisions V, VI and VII and are very competitive locally, regionally and on the statewide level.”
One reason for the merger was that competitive balance was lacking.
The ITCL was split into two divisions during its first four years of existence, based strictly on enrollment between the eight largest and eight smallest schools.
Andraso said the league is adjusted every two years.
During the 2013-14 academic year, divisions were based on enrollments by gender. Four schools experienced its male and female competitors in different divisions.
Andraso said the non-football sports “will play every school in their division twice in order to decide a champion.”
He said an “opt-out” clause was added for non-divisional schedules. Schools may opt-out of non-divisional games due to travel or if the feeling is that a game would be non-competitive.