Seems like the public/private debate is gathering steam everywhere lately...

Per an article from Cincinnati's WCPO News the member schools of the Suburban League, located in Northeast Ohio, are currently circulating a petition seeking a referendum vote to create separate state tournaments for the athletic programs from public high schools and private high schools in Ohio. The OHSAA's petition deadline of December 1, 2026 requires that the petition has (1) the signatures from at least 75 principals from OHSAA member high schools, and (2) the signatures from at least 5 schools within each of the OHSAA's 6 districts in order for the petition to be placed on the OHSAA's ballot in May 2027. If it makes the ballot in May, the matter will then be voted on by the full membership of the OHSAA. If the petition is successfully submitted and subsequently passed by voters, the separate tournament systems would be put in place for the 2028-2029 school year.

There OHSAA currently has 691 public high schools and 121 private high schools among their membership. Per WCPO, petitions to separate public/private high school tournaments in Ohio were attempted previously in 1978 and in 1993, but both petitions were voted down.

The Suburban League is a Greater Cleveland athletic league (Ohio high school sports are divided into school leagues with member schools competing in their league for playoff births) including schools from Cuyahoga, County, Geauga County, Medina County, Portage County and Summit County. The Suburban League schools who started the petition initiative are: Aurora, Barberton, Brecksville-Broadview Heights, Copley, Highland, Hudson, Kenston, North Royalton, Nordonia, Mayfield, Medina, Revere, Solon, Stow-Munroe Falls and Twinsburg.

121 private high schools is something to work with. Maybe four classes, 30 teams each. However, and I am just spitballing, other than D1 (the largest class in Ohio) I don't think private schools are dominating. Anyone?

2 hours ago, theguru said:

121 private high schools is something to work with. Maybe four classes, 30 teams each. However, and I am just spitballing, other than D1 (the largest class in Ohio) I don't think private schools are dominating. Anyone?

You have Hoban & Walsh Jesuit in D2. Outside of that, I think the other divisions are hit or miss with schools like Cardinal Mooney, Toledo Central Catholic, Alter, etc.

If that were to happen I would think the GCL South schools would add St. X and Trinity to the schedules. I think St. X and Trinity should play all 4 GCL South teams.

3 minutes ago, Tigerpride94 said:

If that were to happen I would think the GCL South schools would add St. X and Trinity to the schedules. I think St. X and Trinity should play all 4 GCL South teams.

On all three levels.