Should Private Schools Compete In Their Own League?
PITTSBURGH (93-7 THE FAN) – Mike Bariski, Athletic Director and Assistant Men's Basketball Coach at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School, stopped by the John Phillips Show on Sunday.
On Friday, Lincoln Park won the Class A PIAA Basketball Championship defeating Math, Civics, and Science Charter School 70-66.
About what the title meant to him, Bariski said, "It's always about the kids, it's always about the school, and our community."
He told John that Midland is steeped in basketball tradition, which is why it was so important to bring it back to the community.
On their way to the school's first PIAA Basketball title, the Leopards outscored their opponents by an average of 38 points. Their ability to bring players from multiple school districts in western Pennsylvania raised some controversy.
"We have 600 students from 56 school districts," Bariski said. "It transcends sports. It's more school of choice and the choice families can make."
When asked about recruiting, Bariski emphasized that its about the families and what school they want their children to attend.
"If it's a school other than the school they live in, they now have the choice," he said.
In regards to enrollment, Lincoln Park fits under the PIAA Class A requirements, but many people believe they should play up, or in a league of only private schools.
"Economically, we wanted to travel in the Beaver County area and play in the so-called Parkway Conference," he said.
He said that with the shuffling of teams, there is only so much room in certain conferences and classifications. He explained that you cannot change classification alignment cycle. However, Bariski said they are open to moving to AAA and says, "We've always said we'll play anyone."
Listen to the entire interview here:
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