Make the move, it’s logical

Here’s an idea, instead of moving forward, let’s all just stand still and make no progress.

If you are wondering what I am referring to, it’s the recent discussions regarding the possibility of moving the 13th Region Tournament to The Arena, where there would be plenty of seating, air conditioning, parking, concessions, bathrooms, and no split sessions (which means no hustling out of the gym or waiting outside in the bad weather to get in).

According to some sources, if a vote was to be held, the majority of teams would vote no on moving the tournament to a state of the art, $25 million facility. To me, this is all about jealousy and has nothing to do with "the best interest of the athletes."

Lets take a look at some of our facilities if you will and see how they match up with The Arena.

For example, at Williamsburg High School this past year, it was a standing room only crowd, which potentially could have been a fire hazard and if you weren’t lucky enough to be a media member and get a good parking spot, odds are you were halfway to Jellico by the time you found one.

Don’t get me wrong, WHS did a good job hosting the event, but it could have been better.

Two years from now the region tournament will be held at Whitley County High School and in case you are unfamiliar with the place, they don’t have any heat or air in the building, unless something has changed recently. They may have a good area for parking, but there tiny concession area will leave a lot of people hungry during the games.

The truth of the matter is, this tournament needs to be moved if for no other reason, to give the kids in this area to play in a place like this because they deserve it.

Not every team makes it to a place like Rupp Arena, where they play in front of huge crowds and have the kind of experience that can last a lifetime.

I think a lot of people are overlooking the most important part of this discussion, the kids.

Here’s my idea, why don’t we let the players on each team vote on whether to move the tournament or not. That way, if these whiny coaches and athletic directors really have "the best interest of the athletes" in mind, they will listen to the voice of reason; the players.