I've coached at small schools--kids don't want to come out because they think they have no chance to advance. Those of you that think "just having the opportunity to compete" is enough for kids these days, are wrong. Classed team state doesn't move the needle for kids wanting to participate. Kids want to know there is a payoff at the end of their struggle. Is it guaranteed if we had 2 classes? No, but at least they feel like they have a fair chance. I can't get kids to come out when I tell them we are in a Sectional with Brownsburg, Avon, Plainfield, Pike and Ben Davis. And if you get through that, the Regional with Center Grove, Franklin, Mooresville, Martinsville, etc...
While programs aren't being dropped, at what point do teams stop getting dual meets scheduled? When they have 8, 9, or 10 forfeits? Nobody wants to schedule those teams. I don't have the numbers, but I would bet we are getting more of those teams every year.
Maybe I should have told them to come out anyway and just work harder. That seems to be a pretty popular opinion to small school problems...