Changes are coming to both the South Puget Sound League 3A and 2A ranks as some teams move up a classification, some move down and at least one simply changes one address for another.
The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association looks at enrollment figures every two years, attempting to keep keep its six classifications evenly balanced. Enrollment ranges are shuffled every time the exercise is completed, so the 4A, 3A, 2A and 1A classifications each account for 17 percent of the state’s schools; the smaller 1B and 2B classifications get 16 percent each.
Some schools choose to opt up for a variety of reasons, playing outside their classification. Locally, Bonney Lake High School fits that description; despite 2A numbers, the Panthers prefer playing in the SPSL 3A.
Beginning in the fall, both South Puget Sound League divisions will have a new look. Sumner has grown and will depart the 2A ranks for the 3A. Taking the Spartans place will be River Ridge, which was granted membership. River Ridge currently is in the 2A Evergreen Conference.
The biggest change will be coming to the SPSL 3A, which will grow from six to eight teams. Decatur has grown and will move to a 4A league, but both Auburn High and Auburn Mountainview will be dropping from 4A to 3A.
While everything appears set, the changes will not be official until the WIAA executive board votes on Jan. 27.
• 2014-16 enrollment range
Class 4A 1252.4+ 65 schools
Class 3A 990.9-1252.3 65 schools
Class 2A 472-990.8 64 schools
Class 1A 225-471.9 64 schools
Class 2B 92-224.9 59 schools
Class 1B 26-91.9 63 schools
• Next year’s 3A SPSL with enrollment
Auburn Riverside 1,200.2
Sumner 1,199.8
Auburn Mountainview 1,158.1
Enumclaw 1,087
Auburn 1,073.8
Lakes 1,066.7
Peninsula 1,062.4
Bonney Lake 964.2 (opt up)
• Next year’s 2A SPSL with enrollment
Clover Park 836.3
White River 857
Franklin Pierce 852.1
River Ridge 818.1
Fife 759
Washington 753.9
Steilacoom 648
Orting 528.0
