School officials ask Proffitt to research middle school leagues

By Lynn Hotaling

Though numerous questions remain about the advisability and feasibility of local seventh- and eighth-graders competing on middle school teams, members of the Jackson County Board of Education decided that Fairview physical education teacher Dennis Proffitt could contact area middle school leagues to see if there is an opening for Jackson County.

If no space is available, the other questions become moot, said Superintendent Mack McCary.

Although Jackson County does not have a middle school, a middle school athletic program is a key component in fielding competitive high school teams, according to Smoky Mountain High School Principal Kenny Nicholson and Athletic Director Si Simmons.

The idea was proposed in November, and a study committee was established to explore the development of a comprehensive middle school athletic program.

Nicholson presented three recommendations to school board members. First, allow Proffitt to investigate whether Jackson can get into a league and find out what the expectations are. "If we can't get into a league, the discussion's over," Nicholson said.

Second, if Jackson can join a league, look at the budget and see if the county can afford to participate, Nicholson said.

The principal's third recommendation was that board members look at the existing seventh- and eighth-grade program and see if it can be supported also.

Lois Newbold, vice president of Scotts Creek PTO, read a letter from the PTO concerning the proposed middle school athletic program.

The organization's main concern, she said, is the fate of the existing elementary athletic program. Many students participate who would not be able to play on a county team, she said, and that participation boosts self-esteem and morale.

She suggested sending ballots home with elementary students so that their parents could vote on the type of athletic program they favored.

SMHS Athletic Director Simmons assured school board members he and other committee members do not advocate the elimination of the existing program. It was the committee's consensus, he said, that a middle school program would enhance the present program, not eliminate it. The committee felt that even if countywide teams were established, there would still be enough students to field school teams, Simmons said.

Nicholson and Simmons told board members that SMHS will feel the lack of middle school teams even more next season when it moves to the competitive Mountain Athletic Conference.

"Smoky Mountain is the smallest 3-A school in the state, and that won't change for four years," Simmons said in November. "Our athletes are at a disadvantage without a middle school program."

Back to Sports: 03/01/01.