Texas QB Leaving Public School for Private School Football Powerhouse in FL

[TexDoc]

This is why there are very few (3) private schools allowed into the UIL.  This is a disturbing reality we might start seeing more of. IMG appears to be a training ground for football star wanabes. 

http://www.kens5.com/story/opinion/contributors/david-flores/2015/12/30/reagan-losing-blue-chip-qb-florida-private-school/78062484/

[TxSkyBolt]

I remember in Jr High, one of the elite local prep schools "stole" our star running back by giving him a full scholarship. At the time I was bummed, but later started to appreciate the opportunity he got. A great football school and even better scholastic school.

So, I've got no problem with students transferring to private schools.

[TXMike]

This particular "school" does not compete with public schools for championships. They play an independent schedule and schools are free to schedule them (or not). The number of kids involved is a miniscule fraction of the overall population of students participating in sports around the country so really not a big deal in the grand scheme.  I would hope most HS coaches who have a player who is of the caliber to attend this "school" would help him get there. Yes it means they lose him from the team but just means another kid will get the opportunity to grow and shine. 

[Coby]

This is just the iceberg of what is coming down the pipe.  Texas is generally the exception to the rule.  In most states the private schools dominate public schools in sports.  Now if the private schools would like to start a bidding war with the public schools on getting the best officials.... I am all over that trend!

[Welpe]

With schools like IMG, I think we are starting to see the development of the club system in football with sports academies for player development like what they have in Europe for soccer.

[Rulesman]

With schools like IMG, I think we are starting to see the development of the club system in football with sports academies for player development like what they have in Europe for soccer.

There are already states with something similar in place for volleyball. The competitive club leagues are effectively doing the off-season training for the high schools.

[The Roamin' Umpire]

There are already states with something similar in place for volleyball. The competitive club leagues are effectively doing the off-season training for the high schools.

This happens in lacrosse (or at least boys' lacrosse) as well.

[Welpe]

There are already states with something similar in place for volleyball. The competitive club leagues are effectively doing the off-season training for the high schools.

This is true and it's also happening in US soccer. Baseball is starting to go the same route.

IMG and similar academies seem different though. They are an entire live in development program to also include academic studies. It's similar to what is done with professional development for younger players in European soccer.

[TxSkyBolt]

I just read Harbaugh is taking the Michigan football team to the IMG academy for spring practice.


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[TexDoc]

Looks like coaches are starting to be concerned about this as well:

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/hssports/2016/02/football-president-of-texas-coaches-association-warns-peers-about-img/

[TXMike]

Are there any other academies like IMG in operation?  If not, seems like they would have a very limited impact on HS athletics. 

[TexDoc]

Are there any other academies like IMG in operation?  If not, seems like they would have a very limited impact on HS athletics.

You're looking at the here and now.  The coaches are concerned about these continuing to pop up in the future, and this guy is asking that no Texas public school coaches schedule them.  I think that once the gate is open, we will see more and more of these.  As long as they don't get to compete for a state title in Texas, I say have at it. 

[TXMike]

I suspect the only ones who would schedule would be those who have a hard time getting non-district opponents for obvious reasons. 

And as long as UIL does not change its rules, they would never be allowed to compete in UIL championships.

[TexDoc]

Desoto played IMG last year, and got their butts kicked.  The UIL will fight private schools joining quite vigorously, but there are two private schools in the UIL now because they have no one else their size that are private school with which to compete.  With more and more push for school vouchers, it will be hard for the UIL to keep all the private schools out going forward.  But, that may all happen after I'm retired and by then, I won't care!   

[HLinNC]

In many areas, it is more prestigious to play soccer or run track for the local club team than participate for your school.

NC has a private school league, which for the most part in football might be competitive with some public school JV teams, save a few schools around Charlotte.  The NCHSAA does allow parochial schools but there was a recent attempt by a group of schools north of Charlotte to try and move them out but they failed to get enough votes.

There are several dominant parochial programs that have won multiple, consecutive state championships in volleyball and girls basketball and that is what has a faction of the public schools upset.

The two rising concerns here are 1) public charter schools with their open enrollment 2) and the Republican controlled legislature eventually voting to allow home-school kids to participate in public school programs.

The IMG athlete is major Power 5 D-1 caliber ready and probably has a pro future.  While it would suck as a coach to lose that talent off your individual team, they are a rare commodity.