Monday Mailbag: January 27, 2020

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports editor

This week’s Monday Mailbag centers around the Green Meadows Conference, Holgate and possible scenarios after a split between the two.

Q: Can you break down or explain what exactly is happening with the Holgate/GMC mess? It seems like a drama that has been ongoing since last August at least. Zach Profit

A: I’m thinking Holgate’s decision to play 8-man football didn’t exactly go over well with other teams in the conference and I’d be willing to bet that it was a substantial factor in all of this, along with the fact that Holgate announced plans to join the Northern 8 Conference for football only.

Looking back, Holgate expected roughly two dozen players to come out for football in 2019, but that number dropped to 13. About a week before the start of two-a-day practices, the decision was made to play the 8-man game, which left teams on the schedule to scramble to find a 10th game.

So yes, I think it’s safe to say it goes back at least to last August. If there was something else, I’m not sure what that might be.

A press release said “The GMC executive committee agreed that removing Holgate from the conference was in the best interest of the GMC and Holgate,” but no other information was offered, at least not publicly.

Now, we’ll see what, if anything happens with the Green Meadows Conference.

Q: How soon until Paulding joins the GMC and what impact will that have on the NWC? Name withheld upon request

A: To my knowledge, an invitation hasn’t been extended by the Green Meadows Conference to Paulding or anyone else.

The statement issued by the GMC said “In the coming months, the GMC will have discussions regarding the process in accordance with the bylaws, competitive priorities, and membership recruitment that it believes to be in the best interest of all sports across the conference.”

It sounds like this process will take a while. It hasn’t been determined when Holgate will leave the GMC. I would imagine it would be after the current school year or after the 2020-2021 school year.

Even if Holgate leaves after the current school year, the GMC would be hard pressed to find a replacement by this fall.

Q: Is it possible the GMC will just stay at seven teams, or will they actively look for an eighth member?

A: Given the GMC’s comment about membership recruitment, I would think they’d like to get back to eight teams. However, I suppose it’s possible that when all is said and done, the GMC could remain a seven team conference.

Q: If Paulding leaves the NWC for the GMC, what are the chances Wayne Trace would take Paulding’s place in the NWC? Name withheld upon request

A: Never say never but personally, I have a very hard time seeing this happen.

No doubt it’s fun to speculate what may happen, but I think we’re just going to have to be patient while the parties involved work things out.

Q: Is it safe to say when the GMC finds a new school to replace Holgate, that it will have a ripple effect with other conferences? Name withheld upon request

A: Assuming that happens, it’s very possible. These things tend to have a Domino effect and yes, it really could affect area conferences. I’m sure all of us have heard the same or similar rumors and scenarios and as I said before, it’s fun to speculate as to what may or may not happen.

If you have a question or question for the next Monday Mailbag, please email it to sports@thevwindependent.com.