OSAA backpedals on team qualification issue

Cross country coaches and fans from across the state, including Ashland High’s own running guru Bob Julian, were up in arms over the OSAA’s decision to possibly eliminate team qualifying from the state championships (golf was the other sport mentioned). Their complaints were apparently heard, because the OSAA is now reconsidering that move.

Here’s the e-mail I received earlier this week:

The OSAA State Championship Committee conducted a conference call on Tuesday, January 26 to consider concerns regarding the possible elimination of team qualifying in the sports of Cross Country and Golf. The correspondence received to this point strongly supports keeping the team qualifying component of both Cross Country and Golf. Given this, the Committee is interested in exploring alternative ideas to meet its mandated charges while keeping the team and individual qualifying components of the events. Considering this decision, testimony concerning the possible elimination of team qualifying from Cross Country and Golf will not be taken at the February 1, 2010 meeting. The Committee requests that those concerned focus their attention and testimony toward the development of alternate qualifying models that will meet the committee’s mandated charges to reduce the financial pressures on member schools and the Association and to strengthen the competitive level of the teams/individuals in the championship events. The next public meeting will take place on February 1 at 9 a.m. at the OSAA Office in Wilsonville.