You can’t do this on Madden….Ironton running back Shaun Terry hurdles a tackler during the Division V title game with Liberty Center. (Press Pros Feature Photos)
The mailbox is full of reader responses to the OHSAA state football tournament…flagging attendance…competition…and the contemporary way to enjoy the state tournament.
It’s obvious from the responses received since our December 2 post on fans’ reasons for not attending the state football tournament…that “it’s a buyers’ market”. Marketing, competition, and discontent over tournament location dominated the mail.
“I’m surprised that the state championship football game can’t attract more than 4,900 people (Ironton and Liberty Center). They waited a long time (35 years) in Ironton to not show up for the biggest game in decades.” … Danny Burcham
“If the state football championships are that big I would think they would promote it. Betting most people didn’t know it was going on.” … Chad Belville
“The tournament is still a neat experience for kids. But it could use a facelift for the public.” … David Rickey
“For 4,500 people I think you could have it at a high school stadium that’s more convenient.” … John Steffen
“What kind of tournament ‘environment’ is 5,000 people? [Olentangy] Liberty gets that for a home game.” … Paul Miles (via Facebook)
“Does it say something [about the tournament] when a 15-time winner like Marion Local only draws 4,200? Seriously time to rethink state tournaments and how to market.” … James Higgins
(Ed. Note: Like you, the fact that the greatest champion in the history of Ohio football doesn’t attract more than 4,200 people is questionable on many fronts, starting at home…because some Marion people would tell you “that we’re a little bit spoiled.” Regardless of who you play, it’s hard to beat ‘been there, done that’, that many times.)
“Is 74-0 in the Division VII championship game proof that 16 teams [in the region] makes high school football better?” … Tom Killilea
(Ed. Note: There’s probably a discussion group you can find. Check Reddit.)
“74-0 makes a pretty strong case for less being more. Don’t you think?” … Jason Hoke (via Twitter)
“If 16 teams [in the region] is about providing more opportunity, how do you think Hillsdale will remember its trip to Canton?” … Gary Criswell
“What were the cumulative records for schools in Division V, Region 25?” … James Salvino (via Twitter)
(Ed. Note: Without checking ourselves, you can get that information at www.joeeitel.com)
And this about how to best enjoy the modern state tournament…..
“Sell an electronic version like Madden. Bank the royalties. Everyone gets in. No one gets hurt. Everyone saves money. Sportsmanship. Trophies for everyone. Perfect!” … Gary McCarty
“Why drive to Canton? Watch it on television and drink chocolate milk.” … Joe Staley
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