New Classifications Out

It's around this time, every two years, that the IHSAA reclassifies its football teams. Just a handful of years ago, they changed from straight enrollment, to a more complicated system that takes a success factor into account. Because of Westfield's rapid rate of growth, we're always paying attention to these reclassifications. Top three are:

1. Carmel 4830  
2. Ben Davis 4220 
3. Warren Central 3602

Between #1 and #2 there are ~600 students. Between #2 and #3 there are ~600 students. After that, it falls off in smaller steps. Westfield sits down at #35, or #3 below the 5A cut, with 1928 students. That gives us a guaranteed two more years of 5A football.

It is interesting to note that our neighbor to the south, Carmel, is more than double the school size of Westfield. 600 students is the size of a large class. They have an entire extra CLASS of students on top of the next highest school, who has an entire CLASS of students on the rest of the state. That's crazy!

Also, we won't get the opportunity to square off against Cathedral, as they've bumped up to 6A due to the success factor (with 1292 enrollment).

Another interesting view: The low number in 5A is Munster with 1511 enrollment (New Pal got bumped up due to success factor, so they are smaller, but I'm not including that here). The difference between #1 in 5A (Castle 1940) and Munster is 429 students. Yes, the difference in the entire 5A class enrollment is smaller than between #1 Carmel and #2 Ben Davis. So it's not like being #3 in 5A gives us a huge size advantage over all of the smaller 5A schools. Not when you consider the Indy Metro "mega" schools, anyway.

Size isn't everything, but one could argue it might have a little to do with sustained success. In the last 10 years, one of those top 3 enrollment schools have appeared in the state final a staggering 8 times (winning 7), with 4 contests being between two of them. Not to take away from any of them. They put on pads just like every one else. The odds just might be slightly in their favor.

Odds aren't everything. By any means.

Westfield has been on the losing side of the size battle quite a bit. We've taken our lumps as the smaller school for many years. Often, it seemed like every time we'd be near the top of a classification bracket, we'd jump right up a level.

We have at least a couple more years in 5A, and need to earn all the success we can. Nothing is given in this game. When we eventually grow to be 6A, we want a strong foundation of success to launch from.

Rock Signings and Sightings

Yesterday was National Signing Day, which is when a great many high school athletes sign official letters of commitment to the universities they will be attending in the fall. We are very proud of two of our own who inked their futures: Nick Dowd will play for Miami of Ohio and Jacob Robinson will play for Indiana University.

Jacob was also down at the USA football camp this past week, where they hold a little event with several attendees, shown below.

The U.S. U-19 National Team (of which Jacob is a part) will be playing Football Canada this Saturday at 1pm. The game will be available live on ESPN3. We got a chance to ask Jacob about how he has been doing, and here is what he had to say:

The experience so far has been once in a lifetime. The competition here is unbelievable, and I have a huge amount of respect for each player. The coaches are great as well. It has been a pleasure getting to know and interact with all my teammates and talk about our college plans, forming relationships that we will have for the rest of our lives. It's been great so far and I'm looking forward to the rest of the week.

Shamrock Advantage Week

We are already halfway through the week, but I wanted to pass along some information about a special mental training session that is going on at the high school. Coach Miracle (among many other Shamrock coaches) has helped put together a great lineup of speakers and topics. He recently sent me the following information about the opportunity:

First of all, what is Shamrock Advantage Week? Well, Shamrock Advantage Week is a week devoted to improving the mental performance of Westfield High School athletes. This week is geared toward educating both players and coaches on the importance of incorporating mental training exercises into daily practice routines. Another major goal of SAW week is to create unity and support between Westfield High School athletic teams and coaches.

All Westfield High School athletes, coaches, and administration are invited.  In addition, we will be encouraging Middle School coaches to attend if at all possible. Sessions will take place in Westfield High School’s LGI room every day starting Monday February 2rd through Friday February 6th from 2:30-3:00pm.

Why are we doing this? We know that most high quality teams have a fairly solid physical training regimen, but many athletic teams neglect to train athletes properly for the mental side of performance. This week will allow players and coaches to put in the necessary time in order to gain a mental edge on their opponents. (And it is free!)

This is the second year this has been done at Westfield. It was a great success last year, and this year it has started well. Almost 200 student-athletes attended the first day! Each day is started with a mental training phrase, and speakers talk for approximately 20 minutes.

Below is a list of the topics and speakers for each day. Today is Coach Gilbert! It's not too late to check it out.

Click to see larger image