Editor's note: A call to Winder Television's editor/producer has not been returned to confirm changes to football coverage. More information will be posted when it becomes available.
Barrow County Schools have been in the news a lot lately for changes they have made.
Well here is another change that the BOE had nothing to do with, but does affect one of its schools.The City of Winder has now decided that they would only pay to air Winder Barrow High School football games on their local television station TV 21, which airs on Comcast. Leaving Apalachee to either pay for their games to be broadcast or being left out all together.
In the past TV 21 has always split the broadcast between the two high schools. TV 21 and the City of Winder would pay someone to film the games, and would pay WIMO Radio to announce the games. This year the games are being announced by HEARtheGAME.com. And no matter what, fans of both schools will still be able to listen to the games live via any web enable device (smart phones), or on the computer via the web site, HEARtheGAME.com.
But now, Apalachee fans will no longer get to see the broadcast on TV 21. The City of Winder wants to only pay for the 10 ball games that Winder Barrow plays, because Winder Barrow High is in the city limits of Winder. And it does not matter that Apalachee has a Winder address.
It used to be that all games from both schools were filmed and shown, but in the past 2 seasons Winder Barrow would have 5 broadcasts and Apalachee would have 5 games shown in a week delayed broadcast.The schools in this county and the city are BARROW COUNTY SCHOOLS, not the CITY OF WINDER SCHOOLS! It is such a shame that the City of Winder would take this stance and leave the coaches, players, parents and students of Apalachee out of the football broadcast schedule.
Let's state some facts: In the past 6 years (2006-2011) it has been Apalachee who has went to the state playoffs 4 times. In those same 6 years Winder Barrow won a total of 9 games, and no playoff appearances. It is Apalachee who has brought in visitors from around the state to the Winder area to spend money during the times the state playoffs were held here. And this was before restaurants were even in the 316 area.
The City of Winder is turning their backs on the many fans, parents and grandparents who will watch TV 21 to see their children play, not to mention some of the players who would watch to review what they did during the game. Why is it that Apalachee is always second to Winder Barrow? I could understand if this was a city school, like the City of Buford District or Jefferson City Schools. But again it's NOT, its a Barrow County School, and both Barrow County Schools should be treated the same. City of Winder, give Apalachee their 5 football games, along with Winder Barrow's 5 games and keep it fair to all! Just remember its not only Winder Barrow parents who support businesses in the Winder city limits.
Joan Willard
Bethlehem, Ga.
The opinions expressed above are those of the writer, not Barow Patch. Barrow Patch will accept letters to the editor discussing current local issues. Letters should be addressed to the editor and not to third parties. All letters must have the name of the author and contact information, such as a phone number or e-mail address. Contact information will not be published and will be used for verification purposes only. Letters should express the thoughts of the writer. Copied content will not be published. All letters are subject to editing for length, clarity and factual accuracy. Barrow Patch reserves the right to reject letters that do not comply with our site’s acceptable use policy. Letters may be submitted via email to barrow@patch.com.
In This article
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Winder-Barrow High School
272 N 5th Ave, Winder, GA -
Apalachee High School
940 Haymon Morris Rd, Winder, GA -
Winder Television
105 E Athens St, Winder, GA
jamie anderson
5:27 pm on Friday, August 3, 2012
This is totally unfair !!!! Being a Winder Barrow class of 90 , when AHS first opened its doors, I thought how weird it was to have another high school in Barrow ! But as a parent of a 2011 graduate ( who attended all 4 years at AHS ) and now my youngest , that will be walking through the front doors of AHS on Aug 13 th as a freshmen, that weird feelings I had is no longer there! I love my Winder Barrow Doggs ! Being a part of the marching band , cheering on the dogs is my history ! Now I want to watch my children make their history with the Wild Cats ( go Chee) !! Barrow county you made 2 high schools ( which was much needed ) now its time to support what we all created ( weather its the schools, the businesses , and most importantly the kids that attend both high schools !!!
Joshua Ashe
6:39 pm on Friday, August 3, 2012
As a former dual sport athlete, this saddens me. Even if it was only for a moment, seeing my gold (at the time) helmet on the screen made me feel accomplished, and made me feel, if only for a moment, like a star.
The above is true of ALL sports that were originally broadcast. No longer will AHS basketball or baseball ( although this sport hasn't been shown in a while); be shown on the station. It is an absolute shame, that in a time when the City of Winder is struggling mightily, they would turn their noses up to a school that brought them to the forefront of sports.
They show the BOC meetings, are they a city function? Do the kids not work the same amount? Do they not deserve the same treatment? I guess not....
Glad I don't really have a need to travel to that side of the tracks, for any business. If there comes a time I should have to, I'll choose to go anywhere but town.
Just a side note, to compare programs. In the last 6 meetings, AHS holds the series, 5-1, with a combined score of 219-39.
Pamela Foster
6:50 pm on Friday, August 3, 2012
So wrong in so many ways... Why is Apalachee always treated like " the red headed step child hidden under the stairs when company comes over".. the school has proven itself equal if not superior in many ways. I know life is not fair... One schools program should not be treated more " special " than the other...
Seems to me Apalachee has proven superior in football for years now...... I would think the winning team would reap the rewards.
Jon Graham
8:18 pm on Friday, August 3, 2012
Thank you Ms. Willard for your confidence in HEARtheGAME.com and our pledge to bring EVERY school every game to every fan everywhere.
We hope to offer creative solutions to celebrate all student athletes' accomplishments regardless of the win/loss record.
The county's growth, combined with a troubled economy require some creative thinking. I believe all parties involved will come to the table with some good ideas.
Jon Graham
HEARtheGAME.com
JDW
8:02 am on Saturday, August 4, 2012
To be clear! I am not taking anything away from either team. Both teams practice hard and do their best in each and every game. No matter how many wins or losses either team has, I am just asking that Both teams be treated fairly and equally!
Local Citizen
11:26 am on Saturday, August 4, 2012
As a parent of an Apalachee student/athlete, this stings a little bit. I'm a resident of the City Of Auburn and not the City of Winder. If this is what the the City of Winder wishes to do that's fine. I'll make sure I spend my money somewhere other than Winder even if it means going out of my way. I've always tried to support the local communities (Auburn,Winder,Bethlehem) ever since moving out here 15 years ago, buying what I can in these areas. Sorry, not anymore. Goodbye City of Winder.
Jane
3:18 pm on Saturday, August 4, 2012
Why should Winder foot the bill to air AHS sports, Ch 21 makes no money. CH21 is not a County Tv channel it is fully funded by Winder. I believe they will air it, they just don't want to pay for it. The school or boosters should step up and make a donation.
JDW
10:41 pm on Saturday, August 4, 2012
Because both schools are Barrow County, NOT City of Winder. Both schools should be treated the same.
carolyn cowan
7:13 pm on Saturday, August 4, 2012
my grandson plays in the band at WBHS and I would love to watch him. But can we not alternate the games to be shown on tv. WBHS is going to the CHIK-FI-LA Bowl and we would love to have the honor of everyone watching us that day. We will be there to represent Winder.
JDW
10:43 pm on Saturday, August 4, 2012
Winder Barrow will be aired. Not Apalachee. Best Wishes to the band at the Chik-fil-a Bowl.
L
3:24 pm on Monday, August 6, 2012
The more I hear about the news of Barrow County and the ridiculous choices people are making on behalf of our community, kids, etc. . it makes me sick and want to MOVE OUT! Thank goodness I don't work in the county and have a better county to earn a paycheck. . . what a joke!
Anonymous Me
5:31 pm on Saturday, August 18, 2012
This is the GOB (Good Old Boys) system at its best. Doing what it can to suppress any competition it has. They're the ones that divided the high school districts and now wished they thought about it more carefully. Doesn't matter cause more and more diverse the county has and will become. What goes around comes around.