Has anybody else done any research on how other states administer HS swimming (meaning swimming and diving)? Maybe a better way to say it is how they TREAT high school swimming. Illinois is one of the few states that still only scores 12 places. It really doesn't take much research. Kansas with about 60 schools participating scores 16. On top of that they have 2 divisions. That's 60 schools divided by 2 with what looks like about 30 in each division. They also have state cuts with qualifications anytime throughout the season and, yes there is more; they can enter 4 swimmers in each event. All of these things are more the norm than the exception when you look at how HS swimming is administered across the nation. So here is what I think we need, from an administration stand point, to improve Illinois high school swimming. Oh before I hit the list-a new natatorium/school to host is not on it. It doesn't look like that is going to happen so quit dreaming. Here is the list:
1. Score 16 (18 at Evanston, swim or don't swim the third heat I don't care, just score 'em)
2. Enter up to 4 (if you want to do a formula, like they do in Michigan, where you get x number of total swims, that is fine with me just more than 2 per event.
3. Two divisions. Make the private schools play with the big boys (or girls)
4. Qualify anytime during the season. Dump the sectional meet-Naperville has a city championship in the summer, no need for one during HS season.
5. And finally, two alternates on frees relays, really, two that is it? I couldn’t find any other state in the union, big or small, that limits alternates. There has to be a way to allow coaches a little more “coaching” room.
Got anything to add to the list? Feel free to pile on, cause Toto we are definitely NOT in Kansas.
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