Morgan Park, 8 other CPS Schools with Sports Programs Changing Classifications

The CPS track and field scene will probably be the sport most directly affected as Morgan Park moves from class 3A to class 2A. They will be competing in track with class 2A teams like Calumet, Kelvyn Park, Robeson and Kenwood.

The IHSA announced school classification changes for the 2010-11 season. Morgan Park and 8 other CPS schools with more than a minimal amount of sports programs have been affected.

Here is a breakdown of the affected schools and my thoughts.

Marine Military, Uplift, Wells - moves down from AA to A (in 2 class system), moves down from 2A to 1A (in 3 class system), moves down from 3A to 2A (in 4 class system)

Neilski's take: For the most part, these schools with a few exception have developing programs that are far away from making the competition fear them regardless of which class they are in. Some glaring exceptions is Uplift in wrestling and Wells in soccer. Uplift has a very advanced wrestling program. They were the only CPS team (including Lane Tech) to make it to state sectionals. Uplift fell to eventual state champion Montini in state sectionals. Their move from class 2A to class 1A in wrestling will greatly enhance their state chances. I'd be willing to say that this move from class 2A to 1A is so "UPLIFTING" for the Uplift program that it gives them about a 300% change greater chance to advance past sectionals than in previous years. Come on, who would you rather face Montini or a class 1A team like downstate Reed-Custer. The Wells soccer team will also benefit from the move down from 3A to 2A in soccer. Soccer is the number one sport at Wells. Wells was the only CPS team last year to advance to sectionals.

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Austin - moves up from A to AA(in 2 class system), moves up from 1A to 2A (in 3 class system), moves up from 2A to 3A (in 4 class system)

Neilski's take - This move up will make Austin teams who are already athletically challenged, even less competitive. The main sport at Austin is basketball where they played above .500 basketball and finished with an impressive 7-2 record.

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Juarez, Julian, South Shore, Morgan Park -stays in AA(in 2 class system), moves down from 3A to 2A(in 3 class system), moves down from 4A to 3A(in 4 class system)

Neilski's take -This is the level which will have the biggest implications. Juarez has one of the best soccer programs in the CPS. They go from being heavy underdogs by having to play first round games against teams like Oak Park and Lyons to playing first round games against teams like Riverside Brookfield and Nazareth. The road is open for Juarez to advance to sectionals or beyond. Morgan Park's moving down will have a major impact in a couple of sports. 4A basketball teams will be glad to see the defending city champs and 2010-11 state basketball championship contenders move out of 4A and into 3A. Morgan Park now becomes an instant state championship contender in basketball. Track will be shaken up as well. If Morgan Park stays down in 3A, they could easily be a team that will send multiple individuals and relay teams to state every year. The girls track team becomes an instant trophy contender. They were already strong in class 3A. In 2A they will feast downstate every year in sprint events.

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Westinghouse College Prep - stays in AA (in 2 class system), moves up from 2A to 3A(in 3 class system), moves up from 3A to 4A(in 4 class system)

Neilski's take - Westinghouse College Prep is only two years old so the Warriors will have only freshman and sophomores next year. Their reward will be a move up to all the big classes. Even with an all freshman-sophomore team, Westinghouse will be able to battle with most varsity teams in boys basketball. I can't say the same for the other sports.

Comments

[Truth]

This move will also help MP in baseball. They should be able to compete in a Regional and possibly Sectional Championship. The track world will never be the same with the girls' team competing in 2A

[MP girls not an instant threat]

Not so fast. Morgan Park is not the same team that one 7 state titles and numerous runner-ups. Springfield Southeast girls are the dominant team in 2A and were the second best team in all of track behind 3A champ Hinsdale Central. MP will be good, but will still have some obstacles trying to dethrone the state champs. MP grad a ton of talent anyway.

[vick]

morgan park girls should do really good by moving down. they will challenge all the rest team out there. they have a good program returning freshman runner which won first place in varsity level. great team but hope their boys finish there season next year

[One less weak sectional]

Well, Morgan Park will eliminate one of the two weakest sectionals in the 2A state as they will most likely be added to the girls Jones sectional and the boys Richards sectional. No more free passes to state from those sectionals.

[warrior]

Westinghouse move up to 3A is a shame. The warriors will be a CPS track power once the current group of freshman become seniors. they were freshman city runner ups beating Mather, Whitney Young, Kenwood, and everyone else except for Lane.