I'm not a STA supporter but who plays in what class is not at issue, SMNW is the most successful 6A boys soccer team measured soley by 6A championships. Which class or where is irrelevant to the question.

My point, rather question, is that there are some schools that, over the past 25 or 30 years, have won a disproportionately high percentage of state championships in whatever sport at whatever class level. I know about SMNW in boys cross country and STA in boys soccer.

Do other schools and sports come to mind for anyone? I may have to waste more time over in the KSHSAA record books....

No bone to pick with STA and have friends with kids playing there. But, I do believe their results in the state championship tourney would have been very different if they had to play in 6A every year. Just about every year, there are multiple teams that have a legitimate chance to win in 6A. There are probably never more than 1-2 teams in 5A that can give STA a serious push when it comes to winning State.

But yes, STA has built a great program and clearly has the most championships across divisions, etc.

I see the disccusion on STA and soccer so I went to the state records to take a look.Before 2000 the boys state high school soccer championship was not broken apart at 5A and 6A- in fact some of those years 4A and smaller was included. In 2000 the classifications were split to 6A, 5A, 4A etc. According to the state records I just reviewed- STA won championships in 92,93,94(National Camps),95,96 and 99 when 6A and 5A played together. They won in 2003 and 2004 after the split between classes as a 6A team. Giving them 8 Championships in 13 years against the highest competition possible in the state tournament. In 2005 they moved down to 5A ( because ST James split the enrollment of the Catholic students). They have won in 5A in 2005,06,07,08 and 09- and the National Championship this year in both polls.Had they played in the 6A State Championship in those 5 years it appears they would likely have won at least 3 times ( 05,06,09), this comes from there record against the top 6A teams they played in those years. I went to the STA web site for this information. These past 5 years they were EKL champs all 5 years ( EKL is mostly 6A teams with the exception of Bishop Miege) played in a national tournament in Quincy ILL, all 5 years- winning it twice ( 08 and 09), play a non conference schedule that includes Rockhurst, Olathe South and Washburn Rural. Those 3 teams plus a mostly 6A EKL schedule, 3 national teams in Quincy Tournament and 3 games in the Lee's Summit tournament against the Lee's Summit teams- thats what they play year in year out. They certainly appear to play the hardest, toughest schdule of any high school team in the state and possibly the area-( I believe Rockhurst plays almost as tough a schedule or equal too). They have a winning percentagae of almost 87% since 92. Have 13 State Championships in that time period with 3-2nds and a 3rd. Love them or hate them ( and people do both) There accomplishments are incredible.

I don't love them or hate them and I agree they have posted some great results over the years. I continue to think that it is harder to win in 6A these days and people can disagree with that. It is particularly hard to win in a one-and-done tourney when the competition is closer. That is very different than winning league. No worries.

Just to make sure the facts are correct:

Aquinas' titles in 92, 93, 94, 95, 96 and 99 were all 5-1A titles. Meaning they played with 5A schools and below. Not 6A. The only years all classes played together was 1986-1990. Only 2 of their 13 titles were against 6A competition (2003 and 2004). 6A has had its own state title since 1991.

But year in and year out, they are the best program in Kansas no matter what classification they are in. And they have proven that throughout the regular season over the years. But would they have 13 titles if they had played exclusively in 6A? Probably not but they would likely still have at least 7 or 8 and would be ahead of every other team in the state.

Missed th 6A/5A and below break out- it appeared that they were all together when I took a look. You are correct on that. But agree that they are the best program in Kansas and play the toughest schedule. IDK how many titles overall if they played in 6A but from the people that tell me about the early days- it probably wouldn't have mattered- who knows. At the end of the day - Let's just leave it that they're a great program to watch.

Well, glad we got all that worked out! lol

And the beauty of it is that the teams will get a chance very soon to see if they are any good this year. Former players and former teams are done and can brag about what used to be. It will be fun to see the various teams go after it again this year.

For all that can see the light. If you were out at the National matches this week you would have seen coach Ewing watching and taking notes during the U-17 and U-18 games. I did not see any other local high school coaches there trying to learn the top club systems and styles. Maybe this is why Aquinas finish at the top every year! They have a coach with a bit of passion and just not there to collect an extra paycheck............

That whole recruiting thing is pretty helpful too...

How many high school coaches could you identify Lefty other than your Saint Ewing?

How good was Casey Stengel considered when he managed the Mets in the years after he managed the Yankees?

The team mom could have coached last years Aquinas squad to the 5A title.