Could There Be a Return to a 1A Baseball?

With the recent addition of the 6A classification, 2A became the “lowest” classification in baseball. As of the 2015-2016 school year, baseball/softball became the lone sport where those schools classified as 1A schools in other sports are lumped in with the 2A schools all through the playoffs. It can be said at all levels, that the smaller schools typically have trouble competing with the larger schools within the same classification. No one would think of combining the 5A and 6A classifications, therefore why should they combine 1A and 2A?

Coach David Morgan, Spurger Head Baseball Coach brings up two points “With the system that we have in place today you have schools that have less than 100 students on their high school role competing with schools that have 200 students. Twice as many students equates to twice as many athletes. However, it doesn’t stop there. Not only is it double the number of students; because schools get their money based on attendance this gives these 2A schools more money which in turn gives them better facilities and more opportunities.” He believes this creates a very un-level playing field and 1A deserves its own State Tournament.

One suggestion Coach Morgan has is to follow the lead of UIL Volleyball. The 1A and 2A schools will still continue to compete in the same districts. However, at the end of the season the top three 1A schools and the top three 2A school from each district will move on to the playoffs. The playoffs, however, will now be split into two separate conferences; there will be a 1A playoff bracket and a 2A playoff bracket. The 1A schools will no longer have to compete with the 2A schools for a playoff spot or in the playoffs. Coach Morgan states “Is this a perfect solution? Maybe not, but it is a move in the right direction.”

This change would affect approximately 65 schools included 7 that didn’t have programs in 2015. The most recent 1A school that has won State Championship was Douglass in 2014. Dodd City went to the State Tournament in 2012.

This October the possibility of a 1A State Tournament Bracket will be discussed by the UIL Legislative Council. There was a presentation given on this issue in June of 2014 to the UIL Legislative Council and there was a feeling of a positive response among the Council. However, there was never any action taken. All concerned parties are encouraged to contact the UIL and express your feelings on this issue.

If you would like to visit in more detail with Coach Morgan, you can reach him at morgand@spurgerisd.org. Comments may also be sent to allen.txhsbb@gmail.com and Allen will consolidate them for a newsletter article down the road.