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SUNNY Temp: 88 °F Wind: SW at 6 mph Thursday, July 24, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine W3 Magazine Jobs @ Mail Tribune Tempo A & E Oregon CarZone Wellness Connection Real Estate Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend June 7, 2003 Kids to play despite sports cuts Central Point middle schools may not have teams in some sports next year, but district officials say they want all kids to participate in some kind of sports By JILL BRISKEY Mail Tribune CENTRAL POINT — Although Central Point will eliminate most middle school sports teams next year, officials are working with community organizations to ensure kids can play regardless of skill level or financial background. "There won’t be anybody left out, and there won’t be any sport dropped," said school board Chairman Kerry Bradshaw. "That’s just wonderful, and it made the decision (to cut sports) a lot easier." Starting in the fall, Junior Comet, a community program for fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders, will expand to include seventh- and eighth-graders, said Superintendent Candy Manary. It offers volleyball, football and basketball for boys and girls. Last week, the school board voted to cut $200,000 from its middle school athletic department budget, a decision that eliminated the equivalent of three paid coaching positions. Advertisement Volleyball, basketball and track teams will disappear. Both Scenic and Hanby middle schools will retain football and wrestling teams, but students must pay to play and a cap will be placed on the number of players. While the remaining school teams are in traditionally male sports, they are open to girls, which school officials say meets federal gender-equity requirements. The teams will be coached by volunteers. "Things have to go to keep class sizes down," said Scenic Dean David Heard, who heads the school’s athletic program. "It’s not something anybody wanted to do." Manary said school administrators began working with community and private sporting organizations as soon as the cuts were announced to ensure all students will be able to participate in sports next year. "Middle school sports are very important, and we’re going to make sure that students who want to can still play," she said. In addition to the Junior Comet program, Manary noted, students have the option of joining a community club such as Little League. However, many teams have a limited number of openings, and participation is based on skill. In addition, the cost of joining may prove too costly for some kids. That won’t be a problem with the Junior Comet program, which will have scholarships available for kids who can’t afford the $20 playing fee. "We knew the school was in a crisis mode. We knew it was doable," said organizer Darryl Summerfield, a Central Point parent. "We’re happy to include all kids. That’s our goal." Although the details haven’t been finalized, students attending Hanby Middle School in Gold Hill will be invited to take part in club sports offered through the Grants Pass Boys and Girls Club, said spokesman Jeff Cox. "Unfortunately, it may be a little bit of a drive for some kids," said Cox, who noted that the cost is $35 but scholarships are available for students who cannot afford the fee. Heard said although he’s pleased students will be able to play sports next year, he’s sorry to see so many teams dropped. "It’s always better when you can offer a non-parent coaching event," said Heard. "It’s a different experience for students (to play with a school team)." Greg Haga, who coaches Crater High School wrestling and oversees the middle school wrestling teams, said school sports help students build character, friendships and loyalty. "There’s a lot of kids out there who have a lot of energy to get rid of," he noted. "Either they’ll expend that playing sports or in a more ornery manner." Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] How other school districts stack up Nearly every Jackson County school district has proposed making cuts to middle school sports next year to cover major funding gaps. Here are some ways districts are considering dealing with shortfalls: Ashland — No reductions thanks to the recent passage of a 5-year youth levy. Butte Falls — Reduction of paid coaching positions and possible increase of pay-to-play fee. Eagle Point — Eliminate entire program if funding from the state decreases. Medford — Cut one of three seventh-grade football teams, one of four seventh-grade volleyball teams and seventh grade wrestling. Phoenix-Talent — No cuts are scheduled at this time. Prospect — Possible reduction of middle school coaches’ pay. Rogue River — Eliminate paid coaching positions and use volunteer teachers. Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Rogue Valley Auto Finder Rogue Valley Job Finder --> Rogue Valley Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times