(Lack of) Value in the Regional Model

[Kevin Kolodziej]

I am having a discussion about ALL regional events and their value to a team. This has nothing to do with how my team did or performed. This is not a thread bashing the WI regional - I help plan and run it. Any and all comments I have for the event itself will be posted in the appropriate thread, not here.

With regards to the number of plays, as soon as we received the schedule and I saw only 9 matches, I was immediately disappointed knowing that we had more matches last year with the same number of teams. More matches is more chances for the students to show their work, to be under the lights, to feel the rush, to work with other teams. I do not count practice matches as the same experience because the only difference from them and what we do at home is the ceiling height - its not the same as a match with introductions, announcing, cheering, music, strategy, etc. Whether we play 10 practice matches like we did at Midwest last year or 0 like we did this weekend, it doesn't change anything about my opinions of the regional model and match play.

The district model is only more expensive for teams who currently only play 1 event. Quite a few WI teams already do play in two regional events (yours and mine included). Two district events and a district championship for the same $9000 we already pay sounds far better to me.

The district championship is like a current regional in a pro arena or a college arena. Its certainly a step up from a high school gym. While I certainly enjoy giving all students the opportunity to step on the floor of an arena, having them earn it and work to it will make it that much more special.

I agree with you about attending a second event to see new teams and new places. We've taken our kids to Duluth, Minneapolis, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and will be returning home to Chicago in two weeks. Getting to meet people from far away, even other countries as we so often do at Midwest, its an experience the kids (and mentors) will treasure forever. I still do. But eventually, everyone WILL be in districts - but when that day happens, cross district play will be the norm, and these long distance friendships will continue to be forged.