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GWOC welcomes West Carrollton, Greenville

Michael Hyland (27) of West Carrollton is pursued by Mike McKee (28) of Tecumseh during Friday's first-round Division II playoff football game on Nov. 6, 2009.Staff Photo by Barbara J. Perenic

Barbara J. Perenic Michael Hyland (27) of West Carrollton is pursued by Mike McKee (28) of Tecumseh during Friday's first-round Division II playoff football game on Nov. 6, 2009.Staff Photo by Barbara J. Perenic

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By Marc F. Pendleton, Staff Writer Updated 10:44 PM Thursday, August 26, 2010

There’s a couple of new players who have joined the Greater Western Ohio Conference this fall: West Carrollton and Greenville.

The Pirates and Green Wave — both Division II programs in most sports — will compete for conference titles in all sports but football, which joins in the GWOC fun in 2013.

That brings the area’s super league to 18 teams, featuring three divisions of six teams each.

“We’re really excited to have Greenville and West Carrollton in the conference,” GWOC commissioner Eric Spahr said.

“They fit our existing footprint and no doubt will be successful in their respectful divisions.”

WC is in the South division where longtime rival Miamisburg resides. Greenville was added to the North division field.

The GWOC continues to evolve. It had 13 charter members when the Western Ohio League and Greater Miami Valley Conference merged. Four more teams — Lebanon, Springboro, Fairborn and Miamisburg — were added when the Mid-Miami League folded.

However, the conference shrunk to 16 when Springfield North and South combined. With three divisions, that made scheduling a challenge. Two options emerged: Change to a two-division, eight-team league or add two more teams.

Don’t look for the GWOC to expand again any time soon.

“We’re not looking to raid any conference,” Spahr said.

“We’re very proud of our membership and who’s a part of the GWOC.”

No way, no how

New Fairmont assistant football coach Greg Shackelford likely won’t pursue a head coaching position some day.

The former Springboro assistant landed on new head coach Andy Aracri’s staff last spring. He was an immediate hit, matching Aracri’s level-10 positive energy.

By day Shackelford is a business loan officer at CountyCorp in Dayton. But by mid afternoons he transforms into the Firebirds’ defensive coordinator.

The former outstanding Wayne and Ball State University linebacker said that it’s crucial for a head coach to “be in the hallways,” as a teacher at the school he coaches.

Besides, there’s also triplet 4-year-old daughters at home, a daily challenge for any mom and assistant coach.

Let’s play 2

City League Friday night doubleheaders are the rule this football season.

City League games were often played on consecutive Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. No more.

Nine of the 10 regular-season weeks will feature a doubleheader at Welcome Stadium that involves at least one City League team in each game. Ponitz Tech opens today by hosting Lockland at 6 p.m. The 8:30 p.m. matchup features Valley View vs. Dunbar.

“We were doing some brainstorming and trying to figure out a way to get our fans back in the stands,” said City League AD Jonas Smith. “Our hope is that our fans will come back and see our teams on that particular night.

“I’m hoping it’ll work out. We have a beautiful facility at Welcome Stadium. I know it’s one of the best in the state. There’s no reason why we can’t get the community, the parents and grandparents back out to help support their kids.”

It’s a good deal, too. A $6 ticket covers both games.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2381 or mpendleton@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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