WIAA Changes Will Impact Muskego: Welcome to the Classic 8

The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association's (WIAA) Board of Control met last week,  and approved a number of recommendations that will impact spring sports, while giving its final approval for conference realignment that affects Muskego High School beginning in spring 2012.

The conference realignment plan for 2012-13 will move Muskego from the Southeast Conference to the Classic Eight. Many parents we talked to at a Muskego Gridiron Club fundraiser had expressed their excitement over the move, as it means closer competition and also places Muskego as the second largest school in the division, with Arrowhead being larger. 

In addition the plan divides the Midwest Classic Conference into two leagues, moves Saint Thomas More from the Woodland Conference to a newly configured conference yet to be named that was created with the split of the Midwest Classic Conference. In addition, Pius XI moves from the Classic Eight Conference to the Woodland, and Indian Trails Academy (Kenosha) will be placed in the Southeast Conference.
 
Spring Sports Changes Include Wheelchair Competitors, Changes to Softball & Baseball

The board also approved track and field recommendation to include additional language for wheelchair competitors. Beginning in 2012, wheelchair athletes must compete in a minimum of four meets during the regular season, and schools must register with the intent to compete in the Tournament Series by the first Monday in May.

Softball programs will also see a shift in their seasons ahead one week in 2013    to the traditional dates prior to 2010 season, with the first allowed practice in 2013 of March 11 and the State Tournament scheduled for June 6-8. Another decision impacts the pre-game protocol, including a coin flip that will determine home and away designation at neutral-site locations.

Summer baseball season will be retained, despite team participation dipping to 56 programs, The board discussed options on the future of the sport ultimately changing tournament schedules. Beginning in 2012, the tournament series will consist of four sectionals to be played one week earlier than the traditional schedule. Sectionals will be played  on July 10, 13 and 16 with a three-game, one-day state tournament scheduled on July 20 at a site to be determined.