This might signify that Facebook has jumped the shark, but The News Tribune's Preps Blog now has its very own corner of the social media giant's site.

You can find the TNT Prep Sports group right here.

Most of the information that we will post on the Facebook page will be the same as what you will find here. Some will be different. My hope is that the Facebook platform encourages more discussion and reader interaction than this blog.

Give it a look and try it out. It's free!

In this tough economic climate, school districts are looking everywhere to save money. In Florida, that includes reducing the number of regular season games.

On Monday, the Florida High School Athletic Association took the drastic measure of shortening the regular seasons of all sports except football. The FHSAA -- Florida's version of the WIAA -- voted to cut varsity seasons by 20 percent and sub-varsity seasons by 40 percent through the 2010-11 school year.

Here's an excerpt from an Associated Press story on the matter:

The rule change was designed to cut costs for Florida high school athletic departments, which are facing tough budget constraints.

"These are unprecedented times," board president Greg Zornes said. "People are losing their jobs as schools are cutting millions and millions of dollars from their budgets. Our job is to look out for all the schools."

At the WIAA Rep Assembly on Friday, executive director Mike Colbrese spent a considerable amount of time exploring cost-saving measures with the principals, athletic directors and coaches in attendance at the Spirit of Washington Events Center in Renton. Trimming games from the schedule was one option. But Colbrese made the point that while cutting games does reduce costs, it also eliminates opportunities for schools to make money through ticket and concession sales.

Let's be honest, at the vast majority of schools, football games bring in the most money. That's why Florida isn't cutting any football games. But that's not an excuse to slice and dice the schedules of non-revenue sports or JV and C-teams.

Under an experimental rule, some schools in districts 4 and 9 have been allowed to play more than one JV basketball game in a day in the last two seasons. This reduces travel costs for schools, saving them money. It's no coincidence that the Rep Assembly passed an amendment on Friday that would allow all schools to do this.

School districts are taking serious looks at their budgets and deeming what is expendable. I won't be surprised to see some schools forgo traditional rivalries and join or create leagues that will reduce travel expenses.

If expenses must be trimmed, what cost-cutting measures do you want to see implemented first?

Click below to read the complete story on Florida high schools trimming their schedules:

=> Read more!

After eight seasons at the helm of the Auburn Riverside boys basketball program, Tom Adams has announced his resignation.

Adams, who told coaches and players of his decision on Monday, led the Ravens to an 11-12 record in the 2008-09 season and a berth in the West Central District tournament.

"Coach Adams has not just been an outstanding leader within our basketball program, but he's been a real leader in our athletics department, more than once taking an opportunity to mentor other coaches," athletic director Doug Aubert said.

The job is open immediately. Contact Aubert at (253) 804-5159 for information regarding the position.

By my count, the following South Sound boys basketball head coaching positions are open:

Gig Harbor
Graham-Kapowsin
Jefferson
Auburn Riverside

Bishop Blanchet hires Bellarmine Prep assistant

Aaron Maul, a former assistant head coach at Bellarmine Prep, has been hired as the head football coach at Bishop Blanchet. Maul had been with the Lions for 12 seasons, serving as the defensive coordinator for the last six.

Prep Zone

What to watch today

Top-ranked and SPSL South-leading Puyallup (15-1 overall, 12-1 league) can take a big step toward winning the league’s baseball crown with a win at second-place Emerald Ridge (11-4, 10-2 ). The Vikings nipped the Jaguars 3-2 earlier this season.
When: 4 p.m.
Where: Emerald Ridge

Monday’s highlights

Washington’s Phillip Manalo and Josh Young each went 2-for-3 with triples in the Patriots’ 16-3 win over Eatonville. Young and Justin Slanina, who earned the victory, finished with three RBI.

Joe Bakke hit two doubles and drove in three runs and Jonathan Felczak struck out six as Cascade Christian beat Life Christian 11-0. Felczak also went 2-for-2 with a double and scored twice.

Michelle Oslin crushed a 3-run home run in the sixth inning, lifting Gig Harbor to a 4-3 win at Narrows League Bridge Division-leading Wilson. The Rams outhit the Tides 11-4. Taylor Darnielle was 3-for-3 with a double and Taylor Clark hit a solo home run and a double.

Stadium pitcher Katelin Sisk threw a no-hitter and struck out 13, beating Foss 6-0. Sisk also went 3-for-4 with a triple, RBI and scored two runs.

Kylie McChesney had two of Puyallup’s three hits and scored the Vikings’ only runs in a 2-1 victory over Spanaway Lake. Pitcher Kelsey Robinson struck out 12 and scattered five hits.

Amanda Fitzsimmons struck out 10 and Ashlyn Mundo went 3-for-4, leading Auburn Riverside over Kentlake 4-2.

Haley Gregersen hit two triples and Rachelle Boettcher crushed a home run and tallied five RBI, helping Eatonville win 18-11 at Washington. Gregersen went 5-for-5 and Taylor Booth finished 3-for-5 with four RBI.

Lauren Griffin scored eight goals in Puyallup’s 15-6 water polo win over Emerald Ridge.