New 2007 OHSLA Realignment Plan

[Sonny]

The Oregon High School Lacrosse Association has 42 teams in seven new conferences.

Northwest Oregon Conference
Century
Glencoe
Hillsboro
Liberty
Sherwood
Wilsonville

Three Rivers Conference
Clackamas
Lake Oswego
Lakeridge
Oregon City
Putnam
Riverdale
West Linn

Columbia Conference
Cleveland
Franklin
Grant
Hood River
Rex
Lincoln
Oregon Episcopal
Wilson

Metro Conference
Aloha
Beaverton
Southridge
Sunset
Westview

Willamette Conference
Churchill
Elmira
Marist
North Eugene
Roseburg
Sheldon
Thurston

North Valley Conference
South Salem
Sprague
Tigard
Tualatin
West Salem

High Desert Conference
Bend
Hermiston
Redmond
Sisters
Summit

[chonk]

When did the teams in central Oregon form up? Bend, Redmond, Sisters and Summit weren't there a few years ago were they?

[TheBearcatHimself]

Bend, Redmond, Sisters, and Summit are all new to varsity, which is what this list, or leagues are. Since it is not yet an OHSAA sport there are still teams around that exist as junior varsity entities, playing games against varsity teams sometimes, mostly against other JV's at schools already at the Varsity level. I think Corvallis is still a current example of this, Riverdale was that way when I played there.

The High Desert League surprises me, not in a bad way really when I think about it, but right now Hermiston is the only team with any varsity experience, minimal at that. I guess it is a good way to give one of those teams State Playoff experience, and to let them get as many games against each other as possible. Now of course the alternative is not pleasing to many either cause people don't want to drive over the mountains more than they have to I understand. I guess that's a big win for the Central Oregon teams in that regard. They must have been waiting to all go varsity the same year. West Salem went to the tourney held at Sisters last May and they have fine facilities, support from the school and parents, and fine and developing teams at that. I am very excited by the growth of the league and can't wait for it to go varsity. Good luck to all the news teams this season!

[Steno]

looks like Bill Rexford is striking again?

[camthrax]

not a bad solution. I think everyone is going to be playing someone they want to play. I remember the last plan had the Salem schools playing in the same division as 3 brand new programs, and that would have kept the level of play for these sixth year programs at the same stagnant level thats just below the top tier.

Im amazed that there are 42 teams now. Especially considering how hard it is to hire a qualified coach outside of the Portland and Eugene areas.

[chonk]

Being from Hermiston myself, I know what it's like having to drive 200+ miles for a game every week or two. It's not fun. Central Oregon teams will have the same frustrations undoubtedly. I do, however agree that Hermiston should be in this new division. Both for geographic reason, and for competetive purposes. Perhaps Pendleton will build a team, that would be a great addition to the high desert league.

[camthrax]

^^^ on that same note, hood river should feel lucky they didnt get put in that league.

[chonk]

Indeed, Hood River would have no competition at all in that division. Does that football league include Hood River?