It's not about losing, it's about being competitive.
And with that in mind, Sharon Springs Central School agreed Monday to give its blessing to switching athletics from the Western Athletic Conference to the Tri-Valley League.
SSCS is the smallest school in the WAC, where Athletic Director Tammy Behr said they often face schools two to three times their size.
Though they'd still be the smallest school in the T-VL, Ms. Behr said they'd be playing schools more their own size against athletes, who like those at SSCS, are often freshmen or sophomores playing two or even three sports.
"It would be a much more level playing field," Ms. Behr said. "The way things are now, it's hard on these kids. I'm just asking for a chance to compete in the T-VL. Give it a chance."
SSCS has talked about switching leagues or combining some teams with nearby schools several times in the past few years.
While those discussions generated enough opposition to quash the idea, Monday's meeting drew only a handful of parents and coaches and all supported switching to the T-VL.
"Why would people not want to switch?" asked Holly Blacker, the mother of an athlete.
The tradition of playing against schools like Middleburgh and Schoharie is one reason, but Ms. Behr said she could still schedule non-league games with both schools.
Coach Joe Hilts said as things stand now, there's the perception that SSCS doesn't mean much when it comes to sports-even though the athletes work just as hard, both on the field and academically, as those anywhere else.
Others mentioned comments they heard at a game against private school Mekeel, when parents chastised their kids for playing poorly "against a school like Sharon."
The change will need the support of T-VL officials, Ms. Behr said, but she's been assured in casual conversation with fellow ADs that it shouldn't be a problem.
SSCS would also be required to switch from Section 2 to Section 4, again not a problem, Ms. Behr said, and could be playing in the T-VL as soon as next fall.
"Change is difficult, but there comes a time for it," said teacher and mother Barb Handy. "What we're doing isn't working. We lose so often, we come to accept it."
Also, pointed out school board president and mother Laura Jackson, if students believe they have a shot at winning, they might be more likely to come out to play.