Indiana high schools considering cutting back to 3 classes

[Da Coach]

Illinois (the IHSA) increased from 2 classes in basketball to 4 classes this year.
But the IHSAA (Indiana HS Athletic Assn.) is investigating the possibility of reducing the current 4 class system (in place since 1997-1998) for basketball and most other sports back to 3 classes. They are concerned that the 4-class system has too many problems with travel distances, transportation costs, playoff brackets, and revenue.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080424/SPORTS0213/80424079/1004/SPORTS

 

[tornado]

They just wouldn't listen, as those were all the exact arguments people told them would come up and cause problems, and interest would fall off.
Also, long travel distances to find schools in the same size/class also means a gradual LOSS of NATURAL, nearby rivalries.
Somehow, the IHSAA and also the IHSA believe if a two schools are different sizes, then they shouldn't be allowed to become naural rivals.

The very best example in our state, is in Breese. Two schools a couple blocks away, Breese Central and Breese Mater Dei, were intense rivals,
and also were frequent Regional and Sectional powers.
Then the combination of the multiplier and the expansion of classes moved these two schools into different classes for every single sport.
I know it is still possible to schedule each other, but....there are also a few irrational, local jealousies and grudges, and now that it seems more natural to just schedule teams in your own Class, then the rivalry is gone, much to the dismay of the fans who wanted to see it continue.
Coincidentally, the past couple years, their success at the Secttional level is gone. Go figure.

and the IHSA will also appear to allow a school to "play up" into a higher class in individual sports.