Not Making Cut: Hinsdale Central Practice Draws Concern

HINSDALE, IL – A Hinsdale High School District 86 board member continued to express concern Thursday about students being cut from activities and athletics.

At a school board meeting, Hinsdale Central and South high schools presented reports on students being cut from activities and sports.

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Central's report showed that 46 students tried out for the mock trial team, but only a half dozen made the cut for the available positions. (Like most such teams, students who made the cut in previous years can stay.)

For the forensics team, 20 of 70 students made the cut, while nine of 30 cleared the hurdle in debate.

Central says that some of the limits in participation are because of the need to maintain adult supervision. Also, in some cases, state and national competitions don't let a school enter more than one team.

"You might not make mock trial, but there's nothing that prohibits you from trying out for speech, debate or just going to a different activity," Central's principal, Bill Walsh, said. "They aren't the best answers, but ... it is what it is from our perspective."

Despite the limits, he said, the vast majority of Central students take part in at least one activity.

Board member Bobby Fischer, who has expressed concern over cuts at previous meetings, said activities bring students closer to trusted adults.

"As one board member, I would be happy to see more adult supervision if that's what's holding us back," he said.

In presenting her report, Hinsdale South Principal Kari Peronto said South doesn't cut from student groups because it is a smaller school.

Both schools cut students from some sports.

At Central, Walsh said the sports with more cuts are basketball, soccer, volleyball and golf.

To reduce cuts, he said the school could expand high-demand programs, such as adding a second junior varsity or freshman team.

"Another option is to explore emerging sports as we have with flag football, girls wrestling, and then continuing our boys gymnastics," Walsh said.

Here are the activity and sports reports:

• Hinsdale Central activities
• Hinsdale Central athletics
• Hinsdale South activities
• Hinsdale South athletics