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High school sports notebook: Big games in big venues keep UHSAA coffers full
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DHS DARTS | 9:13 p.m. Nov. 15, 2009
I always laugh when people get mad for there sport not getting coverage like
football or basketball. As you scroll through articles, football articles can
have upwards of 150 comments, and others maybe get one or two. Papers are a
business therefore some sports aren't covered due to lack of popularity. I
did track my senior year, we took state and there wasn't an article on it.
It didn't bother me. Life isn't fair. Without football and basketball
I doubt other sports could even function. UHSAA obviously has to have some
financial motive or else some sports wouldn't function.
Ruel | 9:36 p.m. Nov. 15, 2009
True, football does make the most money and it has traditionally drawn the most
interest. However, the job of local papers is to cover local events. People
involved in smaller sports and girls sports want to have their hard work
appreciated, too. Tradition can be broken. Covering sports other than football
will make them more accessible. Most importantly, those kids work hard, too.
They deserve to get their name in the paper.
Comments continue below
Re: BCS? | 9:55 p.m. Nov. 15, 2009
Once again folks like you have missed the point of Cuff's comments and
taking them completely out of context.
What part of playing at RES is NOT for the kids sake?
What part of TV exposure for kids playing in 3A schools is not for the kids sake?
What part of TV advertsing is NOT for the kids sake?
What part of realignment hurt the kids?
Are you serious that the UHSAA is in favor of Transfers and Open Enrollment? It's the BIGGEST thorn in their side and would like nothing more than for the Utah State Legislature to solve the problem for them--so maybe it's your local congressman/woman who does not have the kids' best interest in mind.
Remember, there's always two sides of every story.
High School football is no different than College football in that the revenues from that sport (as well as Basketball) pay for every other obscure activity and sport--like X-Country, Debate, Cheer, Tennis, Water Polo, etc.
If you REALLY want to act like you have the kids best interest in mind, then go attend some obscure sport or activity; they could use your support and $$.
What part of playing at RES is NOT for the kids sake?
What part of TV exposure for kids playing in 3A schools is not for the kids sake?
What part of TV advertsing is NOT for the kids sake?
What part of realignment hurt the kids?
Are you serious that the UHSAA is in favor of Transfers and Open Enrollment? It's the BIGGEST thorn in their side and would like nothing more than for the Utah State Legislature to solve the problem for them--so maybe it's your local congressman/woman who does not have the kids' best interest in mind.
Remember, there's always two sides of every story.
High School football is no different than College football in that the revenues from that sport (as well as Basketball) pay for every other obscure activity and sport--like X-Country, Debate, Cheer, Tennis, Water Polo, etc.
If you REALLY want to act like you have the kids best interest in mind, then go attend some obscure sport or activity; they could use your support and $$.
The Official | 10:04 p.m. Nov. 15, 2009
The job of the local paper is to cover stories that will sell their paper and
inform the public masses. Not all stories or events can be covered or draw
interest that would draw readers. In the big pictures of life outside of sports,
how many stories go unnoticed in the city or in rural areas? There is no way to
cover all local events. The misconception of parents is their child
"deserves" something in life. If that is what you believe, what is
your child’s motive to participate in athletics, to have their name in
“lights” Where did this attitude come from? There are no guarantees
in life other than taxes and death. Primarily, economics are the driving force,
motivation, and standard that a community judges others. UHSAA is in part,
driven this way. Life is not fair, there are greater tratigies in life, as well
as acolades. Sorry your little Timmy/Suzie didnt make the front page
Proof | 11:39 p.m. Nov. 15, 2009
Now there is proof. The Layton/Alta game in 2007 set a record attendance and
money. The 2007 Layton football team had the 3 largest crowds in the history of
Utah High school football. The two season games against Northridge and Davis
and then the State game with Alta.
dont understand..... | 12:21 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009
why people complain about how football is covered by the media too much. when
was the last time 10000 people paid to watch a science experiment or watch any
other sport for that matter. the media covers what the people want. so please
calm down on the preaching.
Yet basketball gets nixed | 6:41 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009
Too bad that so many fans out there do not even know that the UHSAA has already
nixed the first round of the 4A and 5A boys basketball state tourneys being
played at Weber State.
What on earth could their thinking be on this one?
What on earth could their thinking be on this one?
what do you mean? | 7:47 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009
What do you mean the first round of the state tourney is being nixed? THat
there won't be a first round? If not, how do they decide who goes further,
a coin toss? Not meaning to be totally sarcastic, I just don't understand
your comment.
Anonymous | 8:03 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009
Why don't you throw the small schools a bone. They work their butt's
off all year for a chance to play at Alta high school??? Come on!? Small schools
travel better than the big ones.
Knowledge is power | 8:04 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009
They wanted to cut down on the travel and give the higher seeds a chance to play
on their home court. I don't get the rule either because now I have to
teach instead of taking off two straight days of watching basketball and eating
food. Come on Cuff, you're ruining our fun. Besides, the only thing that
the students look forward to is getting out of the school to come ans watch
their teams play.
Knowwhat | 8:08 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009
To: Re:BCS? "If you REALLY want to act like you have the kids best interest
in mind, then go attend some obscure sport or activity; they could use your
support and $$."
Your comment didn't make sense. If you really want to support the obscure sports then you need to attend a football or basketball game because they are the only sports generating revenue for the obscure sports. This is the way to get money for them.
Your comment didn't make sense. If you really want to support the obscure sports then you need to attend a football or basketball game because they are the only sports generating revenue for the obscure sports. This is the way to get money for them.
other sports... | 8:47 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009
Attending other sports won't generate money...when was the last time you
were charged to get in a soccer, softball, or baseball game other then state
tourneys?
More money out there? | 9:17 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009
Don't you think if big games like Timpview/MC and Alta/Bingham were played
on Saturday afternoon instead of Thur/Fri afternoon, there would be more money
to be had? People have to work during the week that would love to go the games,
even with no kids involved in the games. The UHSSA should look at having the
games on the weekends so that the general public would have an opportunity to
enjoy the games. I moved here from Oregon and all semi and final games for
football are played on Sat. to be able to entertain larger crowds. Think about
it UHSSA
$$$ | 9:23 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009
Just think how much money they could make if they played the state tourney games
for football and basketball when people could actually attend. I grew up in
Montana and often wondered why the state tourney games here were mid-week and/or
mid day. Why is the state title football game played on a Friday at 10am when
most people are at work. Unless they are family people are not going to take
off work to go to that game.
Anonymous | 9:33 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009
If they played on Saturday they would be competing with college games and would
lose money. Plus, they'd have to use a different venue.
This is just a guess | 9:40 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009
I would love to hear from the UHSAA on this, but my observation about why they
don't play Saturday games at RES is pretty simple:
1. The Utes often play there on Saturdays.
2. The UHSAA isn't wild about working on a Saturday.
The UHSAA will probably emphasize No. 1 more than No. 2, but I'd love to hear from them, even anonymously.
1. The Utes often play there on Saturdays.
2. The UHSAA isn't wild about working on a Saturday.
The UHSAA will probably emphasize No. 1 more than No. 2, but I'd love to hear from them, even anonymously.
RE:$$$ | 9:45 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009
Because we have big time college football being played in this state, un-like
montana. If you tried to play these games on a saturday, you probably would
have to play them at a high school instead of Rice-Eccles because the UTES would
be playing, or if you scheduled it on an away game everyone would be watching
the Utes and the Cougs play their away games. Last year the Championship game
was the night before the UTAH-BYU Game. if that were bumped back to the next
day, do you really think very many people would be there? and NO ONE would
watch it on TV when they can watch USC.
Little Schools and Little Sports | 9:54 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009
All need to go away. It is fine if you have your little corner of the world.
However the first feature piece I see about 1a drill team I will never use the
desnews again. All the people who complain about no coverage for our sports need
to go away. There is a reason you don't get covered. The only people who
would read it are your parents. Give me FOOTBALL or give me death.
As for the Basketball 1st Round. | 10:46 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009
The Reason the basketball first round was moved to home sites was because the
crowds for the 1st round games were small and it wasn't worth the cost for
renting out the Dee Events Center or E Center for 2 extra days so they moved the
1st round to home sites. Quarterfinals, Semi's and Finals will be at the
venus!
re anonymous ie small schools | 10:53 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009
small schools travel a better percentage of fans, not more! 90% of a 1A
community might be 1,000-2,000 fans. That's only 50% of a 5A schools study
body, let alone parents, family, and locals from other schools who're
interested. YES on greater percentage, NO on overall numbers!
I love small schools, but I'm also realistic about what they bring!
I love small schools, but I'm also realistic about what they bring!
Beverly | 10:53 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009
Kyle Beverly plays for the College of Southern Idaho, not Oregon State.
A few points | 12:40 p.m. Nov. 16, 2009
I am a fan of the small school, but they'll haEven the playoff games for
the larger schools, while well attended, didn't make a huge dent at Rice
Eccles (I'm judging based on 4A and I'm sure the 5A games were
better). It would be great if there were a smaller college field that they could
play on, but I gather that such a field doesn't exist in Utah or SLC
Counties and you have to play on turf given the wear and tear. I frankly am
baffled that the finals games are played on Friday during the day. I would think
they'd get at least double on a Saturday. Seems obvious, but then again, it
is still only High School. As for the "lesser" sports, my daughter
plays in one of them and while I agree that they don't bring in revenue,
the "fans" of those sports (namely the parents) are very loyal, just
the team size is far smaller. This is a similar argument comparing 5A to 1A
(i.e., football to softball). The percentage of commitment is strong, but the
team size is small.
Anonymous | 12:45 p.m. Nov. 16, 2009
I'm glad basketball is at the Dee events center. The ecenter is terrible.
Playing at the U would be ideal. I like the idea of playing the first round at
home courts.
total1096 | 1:20 p.m. Nov. 16, 2009
Re: Little Schools and Little Sports
Totally and strongly disagree. As a fan of a 5A football program I am still very interested in other activities our youth are involved in. Despite the fact I knew none of the boys, I was disappointed that the 1A all state baseball team did not have their pictures in the paper.
Totally and strongly disagree. As a fan of a 5A football program I am still very interested in other activities our youth are involved in. Despite the fact I knew none of the boys, I was disappointed that the 1A all state baseball team did not have their pictures in the paper.
Taking away tradition | 1:23 p.m. Nov. 16, 2009
For 20+ years I have been going all day long to the first round games of the 4A
and 5A boys basketball games. I cannot believe that they are doing away with
this. I am absolutely SICK about it!
What ever happened to doing what is best for kids? The kids are being ripped off (fans too) by taking away that experience. I still remember playing my high school tourney up at Weber State, and cannot imagine having NOT had that chance.
What ever happened to doing what is best for kids? The kids are being ripped off (fans too) by taking away that experience. I still remember playing my high school tourney up at Weber State, and cannot imagine having NOT had that chance.
Re: Beverly | 2:19 p.m. Nov. 16, 2009
Yes, Kyle is at CSI this year and is a great addition, but he did sign with and
attend Oregon State last year. Just curious, is Tanner and Garrett still at
Oregon State? or have they moved on to programs where they can get significant
paying time. I would rather play at one of our lower level baseball programs
than sit and watch at a higher level. I wish Adam had joined his brother in
state so I could continue to enjoy his competitive play in person.
Rio Tinto? | 4:55 p.m. Nov. 16, 2009
What about Saturday Play Off Games for 1A - 5A Friday Afternoon through Saturday
Evening at Rio Tinto.
Could work don't ch think?
Could work don't ch think?
just a suggestion | 6:02 p.m. Nov. 16, 2009
ALWAYS MAKE THE BINGHAM ALTA GAME THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME... DO NOT TELEVISE IT
AND YOU WILL MAKE AN AMAZING AMOUNT OF MONEY FROM FOOTBALL FANZ ALL AROUND THE
STATE
SLC not the best | 6:06 p.m. Nov. 16, 2009
For the smaller schools, Salt Lake City is not a central location. Most of the
smaller schools are south of Provo and east of Heber City.
Playing the 1A and 2A in Cedar is the best place for small schools. Alta HS is not the best place.
Playing the 1A and 2A in Cedar is the best place for small schools. Alta HS is not the best place.
Rice Eccles costs | 6:07 p.m. Nov. 16, 2009
FYI: The three games at Rice-Eccles makes it cost effective. The daily fee for
using the stadium is $5000.
The Media | 7:28 p.m. Nov. 16, 2009
does make conscious choices of what to cover that has nothing to do with
interest in the sport. The Wasatch vs. Uintah wrestling dual (and many other
wrestling dual meets will as well) will draw as many fans as any basketball game
but might get as much coverage as a girl's basketball game which pits
Tabiona vs. Manila. In fact, wrestling draws much more fans than girl's
basketball but it doesn't fit within the agenda of the newspapers nor the
knowledge of about every one of their prep writers. Also, volleyball is more
popular than girl's basketball or soccer and for the most part (Kealia Ohai
aside) produces many more top athletes than their other female sports
counterparts. But you couldn't tell that by the media coverage.
The Des News and SL Tribune need to look at the Denver Post and what it does with sports and prep sports in particular. It blows these rags away.
The Des News and SL Tribune need to look at the Denver Post and what it does with sports and prep sports in particular. It blows these rags away.
Girls Basketball | 7:45 p.m. Nov. 16, 2009
LOL!
All day saturday! | 7:46 p.m. Nov. 16, 2009
Move all the games to Saturday!
UHSAA "Money Train" | 8:00 p.m. Nov. 16, 2009
There is an injustice taking place in the state football quarter finals. The
local schools host the 2nd round games but the UHSAA get 100% of the proceeds
after game management expenses (about $1100) are subtracted from the gate receipts. The only involvement the UHSAA has is to give the participating teams a ticket packet. You have to charge admission for the cheerleaders, the band, and the drill teams. So on the weekend of November 6-7
their were 16 such games in 2A thru 5A. The big games haul in as much as $15,000. You do the math. It is well into the 6 figure range for preparing tickets packets. The work load on the secretaries, and other school staff members is not even considered. The travel expenses of the visiting teams mount up.In fact the further you go in the playoffs, the deeper in the hole your school will go. Every HS athletic program runs in the red. But the UHSAA has a very attractive bottom line. Throw in the endowment games in basketball and football in which they receive 100% of the net receipts and that account has ballooned to 1.4 mill. Ridiculous.
after game management expenses (about $1100) are subtracted from the gate receipts. The only involvement the UHSAA has is to give the participating teams a ticket packet. You have to charge admission for the cheerleaders, the band, and the drill teams. So on the weekend of November 6-7
their were 16 such games in 2A thru 5A. The big games haul in as much as $15,000. You do the math. It is well into the 6 figure range for preparing tickets packets. The work load on the secretaries, and other school staff members is not even considered. The travel expenses of the visiting teams mount up.In fact the further you go in the playoffs, the deeper in the hole your school will go. Every HS athletic program runs in the red. But the UHSAA has a very attractive bottom line. Throw in the endowment games in basketball and football in which they receive 100% of the net receipts and that account has ballooned to 1.4 mill. Ridiculous.
More, not better | 8:52 p.m. Nov. 16, 2009
"Small schools travel better than the big ones."
No, they just travel MORE than the big ones.
As for traveling BETTER, the big schools win.
For example, Bingham used comfortable tour buses for the Kahuku game in Cedar City in '07 and FLEW to Dallas. That's traveling better.
But I think they deserve better than to play for a state championship at a 5 A high school. Were the stadiums at SUU and Dixie State College not available?
No, they just travel MORE than the big ones.
As for traveling BETTER, the big schools win.
For example, Bingham used comfortable tour buses for the Kahuku game in Cedar City in '07 and FLEW to Dallas. That's traveling better.
But I think they deserve better than to play for a state championship at a 5 A high school. Were the stadiums at SUU and Dixie State College not available?
2A gets a bad deal | 9:41 p.m. Nov. 16, 2009
I was at the 2A championship on Saturday. On the visitor's side there was
no place to sit. The stands were completely full. No offense to Alta High
School but South Summit's stadium is just as nice as Alta's and almost
as big. The kids should be rewarded for making it to the final and playing at a
high school is not a reward.
The Utes played on the road | 10:52 p.m. Nov. 16, 2009
at TCU so the 1-A/2-A finals could have been hosted at Rice Eccles. I agree,
they deserve better!
Play at LES- Oh my BAD!! | 11:00 p.m. Nov. 16, 2009
Can you imagine how bad the LES field would look after 2 days of high school
football? It can't handle one game every three weeks.
Setting the record straight! | 11:05 p.m. Nov. 16, 2009
A prior posting mentioned cheerleading was supported by football/basketball
revenue. Sorry, but cheer is supported by the parents and fundrasing. Imagine
how full the coffers would be if every football/ basketball player's
parents had to kick $2,500 per year in the kitty like I do to have a daughter in
cheer? Just setting the facts straight!
Oregon State dudes | 11:13 p.m. Nov. 16, 2009
Nash on a mission, Robles still there, but should have signed when drafted.
The field at RES | 11:26 p.m. Nov. 16, 2009
is artificial turf. It can survive that amount of games and even a U-2 concert.
Reply: The media | 1:45 a.m. Nov. 17, 2009
Are you kidding, Volleyball produces more top high school athletes than soccer
in Utah??? Really thats what you think. A comment from a volleyball parent who
doesn't realize Utah womens soccer produces on average 3 to 5 youth Olympic
Youth player invites each year. Yes Ohai, and her sister, and Katie Larkin when
she was there, and Ellie Reed, Lisonbee at BYU invited to youth national pool,
the Utes have another national team pool invitee from Park City. In one year
there are more Utah youth national team invitees and memebers than volleyball
has produced in 3 years. Hate to say it, but women's soccer in Utah
produces the most highly sought after college big name athletes from the likes
of national powerhouses from across the country. On the mens side, Football is
probably king in the state.
too bad 2A | 8:21 a.m. Nov. 17, 2009
unfortunately you don't count is what i see here!
Re: Reply The Media | 10:03 a.m. Nov. 17, 2009
Let's see volleyball has produced an actual Olympian in Logan Tom. Has
Utah soccer produced an Olympian? Maybe someday, but not yet. End of story.
HS fan | 6:18 p.m. Nov. 17, 2009
I won't argue about which sport produces more high level athletes. I
don't know the numbers that well. I would like to hear someone from the
UHSAA address why every other sport besides volleyball goes to a better venue
for the state championships. For example, football gets RES, baseball gets
college fields, basketball gets college arenas, soccer gets Rio Tinto.
Volleyball goes to UVU and squeezes four courts on to one basketball gym floor.
The girls have played on a full size gym floor at their respective schools all
year and then they go to the tournament to courts that don't have room to
play the game how it should be played. Many points would stay alive if they
were playing in a regular venue with bigger sideline areas. Add to that the
fact that the spectating is horrible--fans on top of the athletes, students and
parents fighting over the best seating, etc. It is an injustice to those girls.
Anonymous | 7:36 p.m. Nov. 17, 2009
Tell the girls to play football.
2a fan | 8:01 p.m. Nov. 17, 2009
why dont we have the 2a finals at dixie where wheather isnt a factor ? ALTA was
not the best location. lets play where it is warm.
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Rice-Eccles Stadium will be home to state championship games at least through 2012.
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Realignment?
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the article just stated that if the "right" teams are in the championship than the revenue is better..
What do you think?