45°Willard AD: We're not looking to leave NOL but our ears are open
Sep 12
2011
When Willard traveled to Bucyrus Friday night for a high school football game, it brought back some old memories of the Northern Ohio League.
Bucyrus left the NOL after the 2001-2002 school year, and that set off a chain reaction which changed the face of the league.
Last year, Fostoria (which replaced Bucyrus), Upper Sandusky and Galion all bolted leaving just five of the original teams still standing. Sandusky stepped in, leaving the NOL a six-team league at least for the next two years.
With all of the changes, is there any chance Willard -- by far the smallest school in the NOL -- will follow Bucyrus, Upper Sandusky and Galion to the smaller North Central Conference?
"I think the best way to put it is we are open to any league contacting us," Willard Athletic Director Dave Ball said. "I love the NOL. It is a great league. I have played and coached in this league. Our first priority is to stay in the NOL. Our second priority is to see what is best for the Willard school district. With us being the smallest team in the league I have to make the decisions that are best for our school.
"We are definitely not looking around. We do have open ears, But we really, really want to stay in the NOL. It is a two-way street but we are looking one way now."
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02:51 PM
OSU 2008 says
In my opinion, maybe Willard needs to start looking for better quality coaches that will benefit their programs. Seems like less and less kids prefer not to do sports. They need to stop hiring friends or people who need a little extra cash and have no experience. It's very frustrating, especially for the athletes that put extra time and money in the off season to better themselves.09:46 PM
arnmcrmn says
It's not as easy as just that. If Willard was the best in it's conference for years more kids would be out. They are not and many kids don't want to bust butt for a less than stellar season. I'm not saying all kids but let's be honest. Times have changed. Kids have changed big time. Parents have also changed. I wish Willard the best of luck10:26 AM
junglebook says
Moderators have removed this comment because it contained personal attacks. Discussion Guidelines01:00 PM
skrillex says
Moderators have removed this comment because it contained personal attacks. Discussion Guidelines10:39 PM
OneLocalVoice says
Dave Ball is right when he says "Willard is NOT looking"...because they're FISHING for another area league to grab hold of Willard!