LIAA adopts new alignment in eight sports

BY JOBY FAWCETT

Times-Shamrock Writer

Change will be coming to the Lackawanna Interscholastic Athletic Association starting in the fall.

As expected, the LIAA principals voted in favor of a proposal to realign into four divisions at its monthly meeting. Hoping to restructure based on enrollment and competitive level, while also considering travel expenses and geography, inspired the new format.

“It’s like everything else, when you look at all of the changes we have had to make, this we feel benefits the league,” LIAA president Jim Tallarico said. “Change is not easy for everybody. But this is the most consistent format.”

In the fall, the league will implement the new setup for boys and girls soccer, boys and girls basketball, baseball, softball and boys and girls track and field.

– Division I schools would beAbingtonHeights,Scranton,West Scranton, Scranton Prep and Valley View.

– Division II would beDelawareValley, Honesdale,North Pocono, Wallenpaupack andWestern Wayne.

– Division III includesCarbondale,Dunmore, Holy Cross,Lakeland, Mid Valley, Old Forge andRiverside.

– Division IV would beBlue Ridge,ElkLake,ForestCity, Lackawanna Trail, Montrose,Mountain Viewand Susquehanna.

There was a discussion and vote on how the regular season would be played in basketball.

The big schools – Division I and Division II – will play each team in the division twice with a crossover with each from the other division for 13 games.

Principals voted to play that regular season straight rather than in halves as has been the format previously.

The small schools – Division III and Division IV – will continue to play in halves. Teams will play those within the division twice and two crossover games against one opponent from the other division for 14 games.

“I can’t say enough about the job the ADs did in researching and working on this,” Tallarico said. “The open line of communication between the ADs and principals is very good right now and really made for this restructuring to go smoothly.

“And that is why we are able to make the changes that we all feel are best for the league.”