DaytonDailyNews.com

The old joke is that only two sports matter in Texas — football and spring football.

Don't look for Ohio to join the list of states with spring high school football practice anytime soon.

The topic gets highlighted because of national football polls and events such as the Kirk Herbstreit Varsity Football Series that point out differences among states.

"I have been part of spring football in Kentucky and Georgia where I used to coach," Xenia's Ed Mignery said. "It really helps coaches to be able to see what they have going into the season. I'm not sure how much it helps the players.

"In spring, I don't know where you'd fit it in without cutting out kids from spring sports. I can't really say if I was for it or against it. It would be a good thing for football, but I don't want kids quitting other sports to go out for spring football. I think that's the wrong thing to do."

State of spring ball

Ohio High School Athletic Association Assistant Commissioner Henry Zaborniak says spring football has been raised informally.

"There are some coaches that like the idea and some that do not," Zaborniak said. "The OHSAA Board of Directors has not held a formal discussion on this topic.

"However, if I were to guess, I would guess that the sentiment would not be in favor of spring football. Spring sports such as track and baseball would most probably be negatively impacted."

Zaborniak points out that geography and weather play a big part.

"Most if not all of the states that allow spring football have much longer springs which allow for baseball and track to be held. After the completion of (that) season, then have football. That isn't possible here. In general, our high school football program is as strong or stronger than any in the country."

What they're saying

A sampling of area coaches found mixed reaction to the possibility. Some said if the summer and/or fall schedule was expanded, spring football wouldn't be necessary.

• "That's probably going to be a long way away. Look how many baseball games get rained out. The weather's bad. (But) I'd be more than happy to participate."

— Piqua's Bill Nees.

• "That's probably the worst thing for students. I don't like that much. I don't want it to affect spring sports. I like kids to go out for track and baseball. You look at college football athletes and a good share are from Ohio. Why burn them out?" — Troy's Steve Nolan.

• "It would be nice to have a couple days. I know a lot of states do it. I really feel football in Ohio is at a disadvantage. Basketball, volleyball, soccer and baseball have basically become year-round sports. About all we can do with our guys is lift weights." — Sidney's Dan Cairns.

• "In football, (Florida's) got an extra year on our kids before college. They've got four extra months with 20 practices, 17 in pads."

— Wayne's Jay Minton, who coached in Florida.

• "Any time you get an opportunity to practice and work and not preparing for games is a good thing. You get a chance to get creative and try new things." — Springboro's Ryan Wilhite.

• "Ohio's got great football and we don't have spring football. It would help tremendously but take away from spring sports, so it's a Catch-22. We're trying to push three-sport athletes and to compete year-round. Selfishly, it might be a good move, but overall it would hurt a school like Miamisburg while Centerville might not be as affected."

— Miamisburg's Zach Cline.

• "I think there definitely needs to be some changes. ... You've got the first day of hitting on a Wednesday and a scrimmage on Friday. The state talks about safety and they don't back it up. I would be for doing things right in the summer." — Fairmont's Brian Blevins.

• "I'm the head track coach, so I don't think we need it. I'm a multi-sport guy. I believe in kids playing other sports. I look at track as great conditioning and a competitive arena for football players. I don't know if it will ever fly. I don't think it will." — Fairborn's Roy Thobe.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-6951 or mgokavi@DaytonDailyNews.com.

Do you think spring football would be a good idea for Ohio?