Commentary
Monsignor Martin needs to play more sports at next level
PATRICK NAGY Sports Reporter

Immaculata softball might be able to compete for something no other Monsignor Martin Association team ever dreamed of competing for this spring - a New York State championship.

Monsignor Martin High School Athletic Association Executive Director Brian Kiszewski said Immaculata has applied for a berth in the New York State Association of Independent Schools Athletic Association state tournament, which is held in New York City on May 20, 21, and 23. Immaculata coach Ray Hennessy said a committee in New York City will decide this week whether or not his team has qualified based on the team's record (12-3) and strength of schedule. Two years ago, Immaculata, as an independent school, was a state finalist in its only other NYSAISAA softball tournament appearance.

The idea for the NYSAISAA softball tournament is pretty simple. It allows schools that otherwise wouldn't be able to play for a state championship the opportunity to compete for one. Immaculata has to pay an annual fee to be part of the NYSAISAA, but Hennessy said any MMA school could join if it pays the fee.

"Nothing is stopping other teams in the league from doing this," said Hennessy. "We are not getting special treatment."

Immaculata's involvement in the NYSAISAA state tournament also does not conflict with the MMA. All of their league games will have been completed before the NYSAISAA tournament begins. The MMA tournament doesn't start until May 31.

If Immaculata can play for a state tournament, then Sacred Heart, which shut out Immaculata, 5-0, this spring and has a record of 34-1 in MMA league games since 2004, has every right to play for one. However, neither Sacred Heart nor any other MMA team can compete for a New York State Catholic High School Athletic Association softball title because the regular season isn't completed before the NYSCHSAA state tournament begins.

Kiszewski said the MMA is looking at several options that would allow MMA softball teams to compete for a NYSCHSAA state title as early as next year but nothing is set. Here's an idea - what about scheduling doubleheaders or playing league games on Saturday? I've never seen either done.

Kiszewski said he needs input from MMA Athletics directors and principals to make final decisions about changes in sports scheduling because of funding. But I think if the school has the money, it should make it happen as soon as possible. What student-athlete wouldn't want to vie for a state title? It gives them more to play for, exposes them to a higher level of competition, and a player might be offered a college scholarship based on his or her performance in a state championship game.

Softball's not the only MMA sport to get the shaft from performing in state competition. Baseball Catholic State playoffs aren't until June when many of the MMA schools have already graduated. Hockey kind of has a state title, but St. Joe's only needs to beat one team to win it every year. Boys volleyball offers a state championships in the spring, but the sport is offered in Western New York in the fall. Other sports that do not have state titles are girls bowling, indoor track, lacrosse, badminton, football, and boys lacrosse.

MMA boys and girls cross country, soccer, swimming, basketball, outdoor track, wrestling, golf, girls volleyball and boys bowling can compete for state titles. I hope softball can in the near future.