Holland Hall is officially official now.
The Dutch, after joining the OSSAA ranks following a departure from the Southwest Preparatory Conference, had to go through a two-year provisional period before the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association could allow for permanent membership. And that day came on Tuesday.
The organization that oversees high school athletics — at its final regular meeting of the athletic calendar year — made Holland Hall an official member institution moving forward.
“Holland Hall is excited to be an official member of the OSSAA,” Holland Hall athletic director Steve Heldebrand told Skordle. “I am very thankful to the OSSAA staff who have been very gracious with their time during the transition. Our two years have been a great experience for our athletes, coaches and community.”
Located near 81st St. and Yale Ave. in Tulsa, the Dutch have logged one team title (girls tennis in 2017) since switching from the SPC, which is made up of primarily private schools in Texas and Casady in Oklahoma City.
Other notable happenings at the meeting
- The Mabee Center at Oral Roberts University will continue to host the large school state basketball tournaments through the 2021 season. The OSSAA was seeking a three-year commitment from any sites interested in hosting the event, but any around the state capable of holding it declined to submit a proposal. Oklahoma State explored the possibility of a one-year deal, according to the Oklahoman’s Jacob Unruh, but it did not explore a three-year commitment.
- Football and volleyball officials will receive an extra $5 per playoff game worked, starting during the 2018 fall season.
- More points will be handed out at state track meets starting in 2019. The top eight finishers will receive points, instead of the top six.
- Class 6A in swimming will consist of the state’s largest 32 participating schools. Any other competing schools not in the top 32 will be in 5A.