By Staff
The United States Supreme Court Monday denied a certiorari request by the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) in its Sports Seasons Litigation.
As a result, the previous changes in seasons ordered by lower courts will occur beginning with the 2007-08 school year.
Girls basketball will now move from fall to winter; girls volleyball will move from winter to fall; boys golf and girls tennis in the Lower Peninsula will move from fall to spring; girls golf and boys tennis in the Lower Peninsula will move from spring to fall; and the MHSAA will offer Upper Peninsula post-season tournaments in soccer for girls in the fall and boys in the spring.
This case has been a huge issue for years now, and many feel that justice is finally being served, since Michigan will now be on the same sports schedule as every other state.
Others, such as the MHSAA, are not pleased with the outcome.
There are many pros and cons that people feel come with this huge change, but according to the court, it seems the pros outweight the cons by a landslide. They feel athletes will now get the recognition they deserve by college recruiters, as some sports have been overlooked in the past due to conflicting seasons. This will also allow athletes in our area and along the Indiana, Ohio state lines to compete with schools along the border, making for some different competition.
Whatever the reason, the Supreme Court has made their choice, and now we can do nothing but move on.
It's going to take some time to get used to the new schedule, but now is the time for schools, athletes, parents and fans to step up and work with the decision.