In this conversation, Preston Jackson interviews Lanness Robinson, the Hillsborough County Athletic Director, discussing various aspects of athletic administration, including the roles of national and state governing bodies, challenges in managing sports programs, financial constraints, and the evolution of high school sports attendance.
Robinson shares insights on the hierarchy of athletic governance, the impact of budgetary decisions on sports offerings, and the changing landscape of high school athletics. In this conversation, Preston Jackson and Lanness Robinson delve into the complexities of high school football in Florida, discussing the controversial Metro Suburban classification, the importance of district championships, and the challenges of hosting state championships.
They explore the impact of homeschooling on sports participation, the Hillsborough County tier system for scheduling, and the role of non-high school 7-on-7 leagues in shaping the future of high school football. Robinson shares insights from his 18 years in the position, emphasizing the need for constant review and adaptation in the ever-evolving landscape of high school athletics.