State releases first draft of realignments
Raleigh – It appears that the geographical oddity of the Smoky Mountain Conference could soon be moving.
The N.C. High School Athletic Association released the first draft of its 2021-25 Conference Realignment Plan on Dec. 10. Included in the proposal was a split 1A-2A division – dubbed “Conference 41” in the draft – that would see Rosman join a set of schools that include Brevard (2A), Chase (2A), East Rutherford (2A), Hendersonville (2A), Polk County (2A), R-S Central (2A) and Thomas Jefferson.
No other Smoky Mountain Conference school would be upended, according to the initial draft, though 2A Smoky Mountain High School in Sylva would join East Henderson, Franklin, North Henderson, Pisgah, Tuscola and West Henderson in a promotion to 3A status.
“The number of ‘split conferences’ in this alignment draft represents the Realignment Committee’s desire not to limit those,” NCHSAA Commissioner Que Tucker said. “It also takes into consideration the protection of natural rivalries and strongly considers geography and travel time.
“Of course, this means the way of getting into the playoffs must be reviewed and updated. That will come later.”
The shortest trip to Rosman for Robbinsville is 94 miles and takes around two hours by car. The westernmost institution in the Smoky Mountain Conference – Hiwassee Dam, which is designated as a “Little” Smoky Mountain school – is 111 miles away from Rosman, which became a member of the conference in 1993.
Schools have until Jan. 8 to submit concerns or suggestions to the NCHSAA. The Realignment Committee will meet again Wednesday, Jan. 13, to review and make adjustments before the second draft is released Thursday, Jan. 14.
Following the second draft, schools will need to submit an appeal in writing before Thursday, Jan. 21.