1- The MS6 is down to only 4 teams- Central, Notre Dame, Richwoods, and Manual. So they are hunting for a conference. The "suburban" schools in the Mid-Illini once were with the MS6 but have no interest in going back. To the south, Springfield once tried it in the 1990's but does not want to go back. And more recently the Big 12 seems not to have an interest.
2- Some WB6 schools have had trouble picking up the four non-conference football games. In particular, Rock Island has trouble getting the kind of teams they would like for their non-conference. If the WB6 and the MS6 were to combine for football, athletic directors would not have to look for any non-conference games- the whole schedule would be filled.
For any addition or change in the WB6 to take place, it requires a positive vote by 5 of the 6 member schools. This provision has assured that the WB6 is resistant to change and has it allowed the conference to remain stable.
Speculation is that the WB6 could choose not to combine at all, choose to combine only in football, or to combine in all sports. If it were to combine for basketball (as well as all sports), most other 10 team conferences choose to either have the 10 teams play a round robin- 18 games total, or divide into 2 five team divisions- playing twice within one's division and once vs. the other division.
An 18 game schedule would mean each school would play each other twice- home and away. For Galesburg that would mean they would have to drop one tournament to meet IHSA by-laws. Going to divisions would most likely mean either Galesburg or Quincy would go with Peoria. So for basketball, it could mean Galesburg would no longer play the WB6 schools twice but instead would play the Peoria schools twice.
It is interesting in that the two conferences represent contrasting traditions. The WB6 has had the same members since 1969- 41 years. No school has added and no school has dropped. During the same period of time, the MS6 schools have had the Mid-Illini schools leave, Pekin leave, Springfield add and drop, IVC & QND add and drop. So the questions may be-
Will two conferences with vastly different histories decide it is in their best interest to merge?
Would the 41 years of stability of the WB6 bring the stability the MS6 seeks, or would the instability of the MS6 bring instability to the WB6?
Is what is best for football scheduling, best for the rest of the sports?
If the merger is approved, will there be any dissenting schools in the WB6 or MS6? If there are dissenting schools, will they choose to leave the merged conference? If one or two dissenting schools leave, what will it do the merger?
It will be interesting to see what the AD's and Principals of the two conferences decide as a course of action.
"WB6 vs. MS6: An In-Depth Look at All Sports or Football Only?"
When it comes to sports, there is often a debate about whether it's better to focus on a single discipline, such as football, or to engage in a variety of sports. In this article, we will explore the concept of WB6 (Whole Body Six) and MS6 (Multiple Sports Six) training approaches. We will delve into the benefits and drawbacks of each method and answer some frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision about your sports training journey.
WB6 Training: All Sports for a Holistic Athlete
WB6, or Whole Body Six training, emphasizes participating in a broad range of sports and physical activities. This approach believes in developing a holistic athlete by promoting the development of various physical skills and attributes. It encompasses activities such as football, basketball, swimming, tennis, and even non-traditional sports like yoga and rock climbing.
Benefits of WB6 Training:
Physical Versatility: WB6 athletes are well-rounded individuals who can excel in multiple sports. They have a higher level of physical versatility, which can be a significant advantage in various competitive scenarios.
Injury Prevention: Engaging in diverse physical activities reduces the risk of overuse injuries associated with specializing in a single sport. By giving different muscle groups time to rest and recover, WB6 athletes often experience fewer injuries.
Mental Toughness: WB6 athletes often possess a stronger mental fortitude due to their exposure to different challenges. They learn to adapt quickly, handle pressure, and overcome obstacles.
Lifelong Enjoyment: Learning multiple sports can instill a lifelong love for physical activity. WB6 athletes tend to continue staying active even after their competitive years, leading to healthier and happier lives.
Drawbacks of WB6 Training:
Time and Energy: Engaging in multiple sports requires a significant time commitment and energy expenditure. Athletes may struggle to balance their schedules and studies or work.
Specialization Delay: While WB6 athletes develop a broad skillset, they may delay specialization in a particular sport, which is crucial for those aspiring to reach elite levels in that sport.
Competition Level: In some cases, WB6 athletes may struggle to reach the highest levels of competition in any single sport because of their diverse interests and commitments.
MS6 Training: Football-Only for Specialization
MS6, or Multiple Sports Six training, prioritizes specialization in a single sport, such as football, from an early age. The idea is to channel all efforts and resources into becoming the best possible athlete in that specific discipline.
Benefits of MS6 Training:
Early Mastery: MS6 athletes can achieve a higher level of mastery in their chosen sport due to the focused training and specialized coaching they receive from an early age.
Competitive Edge: Specialization often leads to a competitive edge. MS6 athletes may have a better chance of reaching elite levels of competition in their sport.
Professional Opportunities: For those aspiring to become professional athletes, MS6 training can open doors to scouts and recruiters who are seeking top talent in specific sports.
Drawbacks of MS6 Training:
Risk of Burnout: Young athletes engaged in MS6 training may face a higher risk of burnout due to the intense and repetitive nature of their training routines.
Limited Skillset: MS6 athletes may have limited skills outside of their chosen sport. This can be a disadvantage in terms of overall athleticism and versatility.
Injury Vulnerability: Specialization can lead to overuse injuries, as athletes continually stress the same muscle groups and joints. This can hinder an athlete's long-term career prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Is it possible to transition from MS6 to WB6 training or vice versa?
Yes, transitions are possible, but they can be challenging. Moving from MS6 to WB6 may require athletes to redevelop skills in different sports, while transitioning from WB6 to MS6 may involve intensive specialization training.
At what age should an athlete decide between WB6 and MS6 training?
The decision largely depends on individual goals and circumstances. Some athletes may benefit from WB6 training during their formative years and transition to MS6 as they reach their teenage years, while others may opt for MS6 from a very young age.
Can an athlete achieve elite status in a sport through WB6 training?
While it's possible, it's less common. Achieving elite status in a sport often requires early specialization and intense training. However, some athletes with exceptional talent and dedication have succeeded in elite sports through WB6 training.
How can an athlete avoid burnout in MS6 training?
Preventing burnout in MS6 training involves maintaining a balance between intense training and periods of rest. Regular monitoring of physical and mental health, along with proper recovery techniques, is essential.
The choice between WB6 and MS6 training ultimately depends on an athlete's goals, preferences, and circumstances. While WB6 offers a holistic approach that promotes versatility and reduces the risk of burnout, MS6 emphasizes specialization and the pursuit of excellence in a single sport. It's essential for athletes, coaches, and parents to carefully consider these factors and make informed decisions that align with an athlete's long-term aspirations and well-being.
Ultimately, both training approaches have their merits and drawbacks, and success can be achieved through either path with dedication, hard work, and the right support system in place.
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