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Mike White's high school sports chat: 12.08.20
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Mike White
10:59
Good morning, on a dreary Tuesday. So what shall we talk about? All-time Fab 22 is out. Winter sports are supposed to start Friday. PIAA meeting is tomorrow. We shall see. And we shall start. Fire away with any questions or comments.
Tw
10:59
Looks like there could be two basketball leagues.....one with masks, one without masks!
Mike White
11:00
The story isn't whether or not athletes should wear masks while playing. Bottom line is many schools will require athletes to wear them in games. The story is some schools are not requiring them, and some schools, right now, have ruled their team will not play an opponent without masks. Like it or not, it's an issue. And needs to be addressed.
11:02
Some people have said if there is a team that won't play if other team is wearing mask ... game should be declared "no contest." That's all fine and dandy if it's a non-section game. But what if in basketball it's a section game that means something. Can it really be declared "no contest." Sorry, but this situation is going to come up. PIAA and ultimately WPIAL also needs to address it.
Zman
11:02
Mike, concerning the mask issue, during your interviews did any school official cite medical authorities recommendation that wearing masks during heavy physical exertion could be harmful to the kids? To me, that’s only reason not to wear them. Otherwise, just wear the darn things so all teams and kids can play.
Mike White
11:04
Yes, there are schools who, upon recommendation from doctor, said players could go without masks - and that it will affect breathing too much. Valid point. But again, there are going to be schools that will require masks. That's a school mandate. And if they don't want to play a league game against a school without masks, what should happen? Story is not whether they should or should not wear masks. We're past that.
11:06
PIAA meeting is tomorrow. Start of winter sports will be discussed. Bob Lombardi, exec. director of PIAA, told me at state finals that they intend to try and start the season. Now that was a week ago. Things change. I'm not predicting on this one.
11:07
I've heard it said that Gov. Wolf won't shut down high school sports because he doesn't want to be the bad guy this time. On the other hand, I've heard it said that he could also impose restrictions this week that could make it pretty close to impossible to play. We shall see.
11:11
Honestly, we really shouldn't have a problem if they delay a few weeks. In basketball, if they allow practices to start again, say Jan. 4, and maybe reduce the required practices to 12, you could have many teams start playing games, say, Jan. 15. Regular season finishes around Feb. 26. That's six playing weeks. You could allow maximum of 14-15 games. That would be good. WPIAL playoffs could start March 3 and championships March 18-19-20. State playoffs start March 26. Could still have just as many teams, play five rounds and finish championships April 8-10. It works. Bob Lombardi said a week ago in a conversation that he could see state basketball championships April 8-10 and that wouldn't be a big deal. Spring sports start games April 8. That's plenty of time for spring sports.
Darren
11:11
Would pushing back the start of winter sports to let’s say January 4th be ideal? It gives teams who are shut down time to get the 15 practice limit in and schools more time to figure out the fan and mask situation
Mike White
11:12
Well Darren, read above. I just laid out a calendar that would work fine.
Lefty
11:12
What was the best year covering high school sports ever?
Mike White
11:12
WPIAL basketball quarterfinals and semifinals. Especially semifinals. Packed gyms. Electric atmosphere at many places.
Guest
11:12
What restrictions have you heard Gov. could potentially say that would affect the winter sports start?
Mike White
11:13
Who knows? They've already given some guidelines, with masks, etc.
Andy
11:13
Should parents be the only fans allowed to watch games this year? Now depending on gym size that’s also a factor, big difference in seating from north Allegheny to Quaker valley but what are your thoughts on that?
Mike White
11:16
Seeing results of surveys of ADs, it looks like many, or most, schools would allow maybe 2-3 people for home team only. I'm OK with that. It seems not many will allow visiting fans. So really, at most games you might be looking at maybe 40-50 fans. At least, that's the way it looks now. And if that what it takes to play, then just deal with it and do it. Most schools will be streaming games anyway, so people can still see.
Nate
11:16
Why don't the wpial just play all sections games, those are the only ones that really matter, and then start the playoffs. Its only getting worse
Mike White
11:17
Why? If you're going to allow them to play, why limit it to section games. If you put a limit on games at, say, 14, and you have 10 section games, why can't you play four non-section games if you want? This isn't football where you can only play one game a week.
L84TOFF
11:17
Mike, I just came across a picture of my son at the WPIAL baseball championship and who's standing next to him on the field? The great Mike White. Do you think if I have you sign this picture it would be worth some money some day?
Mike White
11:20
Without a doubt, L84TOFF. In fact, look on ebay. There are Mike White signed photos going for close to what rookie Babe Ruth cards are going for. Like 5 or 6 million. That's my going price now. Go ahead and try it. Let me know how much you make. I'll let you keep 100 dollars.
Zman
11:20
What’s the word on Quinton Martin basketball ability? Should we expect a big immediate impact from him like in football?
Mike White
11:21
I've never seen him play basketball, but have heard very good. Good size for a freshman. Never can tell for a kid you haven't seen and is only a ninth-grader. But just a wild guess. After seeing him on football field, I would imagine he would be OK in hoops. Might be a nice help to Devin Whitlock.
L84TOFF
11:26
Mike, What's the status of Robby Carmody at Notre Dame. I noticed he hasn't played yet. Is he hurt again?
Mike White
11:27
He can't stay away from injuries. Broke his kneecap in workout in fall. Original report was they hoped to have him back by mid-December. First it was a shoulder his freshman year. Then torn ACL last year.
L84TOFF
11:35
Why doesn't anyone have "Top Fan" next to their name on these threads? Are the qualifications too steep? I'll nominate Zman.
Mike White
11:36
I nominate the people who ask the same questions about the same subjects every week. They're beautiful.
Basketeer
11:36
Will basketball officials be wearing masks and using electronic whistles?
Mike White
11:38
I think you will see a lot of officials wearing masks and electronic whistles. Here's proof. A survey of a group of ADs around the state asked if their school is requiring officials to wear masks. 51 responded. 30 are requiring masks. 2 are not requiring masks. 19 have not determined yet. So that gives you an indication that you will probably see a lot of officials with masks.
JP
11:40
Belle Vernon having a lot luck with transfers.
Mike White
11:40
Have no idea.
L84TOFF
11:47
Mike, I have this debate with my buddies all the time. Do you ever get feedback from WPIAL football recruits (4 or 5 star) as to not wanting to play at Heinz field in college when their choices include places like OSU, PSU, etc. I honestly don't think Pitt will ever be able to recruit the big time WPIAL players. Of course there are a couple but I always remember T Pryor saying he didn't want to play at Pitt because there's no college atmosphere compared to those schools mentioned.
Mike White
11:49
No, not really. If they think that, they usually don't say it. Is it a factor? Could very well be. But I think recruits go elsewhere because they like that place better - for whatever reasons. You usually don't hear, "I didn't pick Pitt because crowds are small at Heinz Field."
11:54
Well that's about it for now. Light load of questions this week. How about next week? Let's see if we have games. Everyone, be good.
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