Bonney Lake High Considering Switch to 2A Sports League

is considering a switch from 3A to 2A in the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) for a two-year period. If decided, the change would go into effect next school year and through the next two, until 2014.

If the school moves to 2A, they will join in the smaller division. League classification can be based on the student population. Currently, Bonney Lake is in 3A, which contains schools with 1,086 to 1,303 students. The 2A league consists of schools with a population of 513 to 1,085.

By the WIAA formula, Bonney Lake High has an enrollment of approximately 997 students in the 2012-2014 cycle, which puts the Panthers on the cutoff border for 3A. Sumner High, which will have a projected population of 960 students, will remain 2A.

Currently, the South Puget Sound League (SPSL) has six schools in the 3A division and eight schools in the 2A division.

In a smaller league, Bonney Lake will play fewer league games and more non-league matches than larger divisions. Non-league games are often more expensive than league, however, due to travel. Oftentimes, booster clubs have to fundraise to help offset the costs.

Since it’s early in the process, the school district has created an online survey to glean student and family interest in the switch.

You can take the online survey here.