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high schools
SWBL to add Red Devils, Pirates?
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
The Southwestern Buckeye League may be poised to tap West Carrollton and Tippecanoe for upcoming expansion.
Those two schools have figured prominently in SWBL speculation and behind-the-scenes discussions. West Carrollton Athletic Director Jon Payne has worked feverishly on finding a home for his independent Pirates.
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League principals will meet Wednesday and are expected to vote on expansion.
The SWBL athletic directors voted 11-3 in favor of expansion discussion and possibly adding two more schools. The vote is now in the hands of the principals who also need an 11-3 count.
Two schools are likely to be added in 2010. West Carrollton likes the visibility of the SWBL.
"Geographically and competitively, this would be a great fit for West Carrollton," Payne said. "We've applied for membership, and I hope the SWBL will invite us.
"We have familiarity in our favor — we play most of the schools already — and we offer good facilities and fan support. Hopefully, we'll be a part of the expansion with Tipp."
Tippecanoe AD Matt Shomper was not available for comment. The Red Devils compete in the Central Buckeye Conference and haven't officially applied.
One league proposal has Brookville and Milton-Union dropping to the small-school Buckeye Division, making room for two new schools in the large-school Southwestern Division. Eight is the magic number when it comes to conferences. The addition of two schools would make eight in each division.
Monroe, a burgeoning district south of Middletown, would likely move to the large-school division in 2010. Should that happen, it'll lump Bellbrook, Oakwood, Franklin, Valley View, Eaton, Monroe, plus Tippecanoe and West Carrollton.
"We talk about expansion frequently," said Gary Peffly, the league's secretary-treasurer.
"You don't know what the heck will happen when 14 principals convene. Some may not want to go that direction (expansion). I'm anxious to get to the Wednesday meeting. The principals control the destiny."
2010 SWBL?
Southwestern Division
Bellbrook, Eaton, Franklin,
Monroe, Oakwood,
Tippecanoe, Valley View
West Carrollton
Buckeye Division
Brookville, Carlisle, Dixie
Middletown Madison, Milton-Union, Northridge
Preble Shawnee, Waynesville
