Last year, the UIL piloted a wild card advancement process in Region III, 4A, and it worked well.

We were able to identify and correct the few bugs and we’ll pilot it again once again at Sam Houston State University. This spring, Charlene Strickland of Hardin-Simmons University has agreed to pilot it for Region II, Conference A.

Here’s how it works: contest directors report team scores along with place. Then, the best second place team in the region advances. There’s one catch: teams must report scores to the regional director by 5 p.m. of the Monday following the district meet in order to be eligible to advance. The regional director needs sufficient time to record scores and notify the second place teams.

What happens if two or more teams tie for second best? All advance.

Coaches are wildly supportive of this proposal, and it’s likely be implemented statewide in 2001-02.