MileSplit GA

Data from Albany below showing, by class, girls who finished top-8 at state who also finished 3rd or 4th at their region meet (and wouldn't have made it to Albany under the old system). Note that 2 state champs would've been left at home. Also, this only includes kids who finished in the top 8.

single-A:
Events affected - 12
Number of kids who scored who finished 3rd/4th at Region - 20
Top 4 finishers at state who would've been left home - 10
State Champ who would've been left at home - Duley (Triple Jump)
Total Team Points scored by these kids - 89

AA:
Events affected - 15
Number of kids who scored who finished 3rd/4th at Region - 20 plus 3 relays
Top 4 finishers at state who would've been left home - 12
Total Team Points scored by these kids - 107

AAA:
Events affected - 7
Number of kids who scored who finished 3rd/4th at Region - 6 plus 3 relays
Top 4 finishers at state who would've been left home - 2 plus 1 relay
Total Team Points scored by these kids - 28

AAAA:
Events affected - 8
Number of kids who scored who finished 3rd/4th at Region - 7 plus 3 relays
State Champ who would've been left at home - Tibbs (Triple Jump)
Top 4 finishers at state who would've been left home - 2 plus 1 relay
Total Team Points scored by these kids - 37

AAAAA:
Events affected - 7
Number of kids who scored who finished 3rd/4th at Region - 7 plus 1 relay
Top 4 finishers at state who would've been left home - 2
Total Team Points scored by these kids - 25

A great summary and a very persuasive argument regarding the need for the Sectional format. To me, though, the value of the Sectionals extends beyond just those who score at the state meet. It's a big deal to get to the meet, even if you don't score, and the system should be put in place to try to have the most deserving kids get there. Finally we have such a system.

ExcelOrator

A great summary and a very persuasive argument regarding the need for the Sectional format. To me, though, the value of the Sectionals extends beyond just those who score at the state meet. It's a big deal to get to the meet, even if you don't score.

@ExcelOrator Agree 100%. I'd like to see the number of kids total who made it to state who wouldn't have been there otherwise (without Sectionals). Just didn't have time to do the research.

Carter

Great info. I wonder how much the team standings would be affected if we had not had Sectionals this year.

Personally, I would like to see each team be able to enter 4 athletes per event at the region meet instead of 2. Some teams are very deep in certain events, plus sectionals and state meet would be even better