You seem to be one of the few individuals contributing to this topic who does not take a highly partisan view of the matter. You have also spent a lot of time thinking about the topic and, as you mention above, writing about specific aspects of the topic. Out of respect, I do want you to know I read your earlier, lengthy post regarding the overall playoff winning percentage between private and public schools over the last 20 or so years. In fact, I have probably read it about five times now, and have given it considerable thought each time. It is a commendable piece of work given the apparent amount of time you spent thinking about the topic. I did not want you to think your post has been ignored by everyone.
Nevertheless, I must admit I come away each time (after having read and thought about your post) unconvinced that you have arrived at the correct conclusion. I apologize for the disservice I am about to do you, but I simply do not have the energy to engage in a lengthy debate about why that is my view. I foresee doing the discussion justice would require many posts back and forth between us, and I simply don't want to begin that process. My youth is in the distant past and even my middle-age years are becoming a fading memory. Lengthy debates are taxing.
I will say, moving to the broader topic, I do not think you and I are far apart in our views. Ideally, we both seem to believe keeping the private schools and the public schools in the same playoffs is best. We may, though, disagree on how realistic that is. It has been demonstrated the status quo creates much dissatisfaction and many complaints. How much of that extends beyond this message board, I cannot say. I believe the rules can be changed to such a degree that fair playoff competition can exist between the two different types of schools. However, realistically, I do not think the necessary rule changes can be passed by the IHSA membership. For example, I could accept identical success factors for both public and private schools. I do not think the public schools will accept that. That is just one example of several changes that would be required, but it will likely be difficult to find consensus on most of the necessary changes. Consequently, we must for the most part live with the existing conditions, which will continue generating many complaints, or the two parties can be separated, like the divorce of an unhappy marriage. I'm not sure which course will prevail, and I'm very cognizant my preferences are among the least important in the entire state. Still, unless substantial rule changes are enacted, I have finally reached the point where I prefer separate playoffs. I know you do not agree with that position, and I respect your right to have a contrary viewpoint.
