Cascade League FAQs
Q. How did the decision to form a new league (Cascade) come about? What prompted this new league idea?
A. Many schools were in discussion of forming a new Cascade league based on their school enrollment numbers. One of the athletic directors in this discussion contacted the CHS athletic director to determine if there was an interest by CHS to be part of this new league. One of the goals as an athletic director at CHS is to promote quality sports program that provide all athletes the opportunity to be competitive every night of play. By joining this new league, CHS has more opportunities to be competitive across all athletic programs. Opportunities to form new leagues do not arise often and this was a prime opportunity for all CHS sports programs.
Q. What considerations were taken into account in deciding to form the new league?
A.
- Transportation (Mileage)--Where would be traveling? How does the distance and time compare to where we go now?
- How would coaches feel about the move?
- How would teachers feel about the move?
- How would parents feel about the move?
- How would the bus garage feel about the move?
- Most important: How would the student-athletes feel about the move?
Q. What was the process that the CHS Athletic Dept. used in determining if CHS should become part of the new league?
A. We conducted a coach's survey, teacher survey, parent survey, student survey, and transportation (mileage/distance) reports. Once these surveys were conducted, the results were reported to the school board along with reasons to change leagues, and also answering numerous questions. Things that were presented to the board beside survey results, were CHS athletic records and also student enrollment at CHS compared to Kingco schools and the new Cascade Conference.
Q. Who's in the new Cascade League? The official name is the "Cascade Conference"
A. Lakewood, Sultan, Granite Falls, South Whidbey, King's, and Archbishop Murphy, and Cedarcrest
Q. When does the new league take effect? When will games/activities be scheduled in the Cascade League?
A. The new league takes effect in the Fall of 2004.
Q. What are the WIAA rules around creating a new league?
A. Washington State is made up of nine districts. In Kingco league, CHS was in District II. The newly formed Cascade league is in District 1 and was already in the process of being created, in order for CHS to become part of this league the following steps had to occur: Letters were written to the WIAA executive board, The District 1 board, the Sea-King District II board, and to the Kingco league stating our intent to move leagues and districts. Each of these groups must approve the change.
Q. In the 04-05 school year, are we 2A or 3A?
A. For the 04-05 school year, Cedarcrest will continue to be a 3A High School. For league athletic programs, CHS will play in a combined 2A/3A league. In the event that any athletic program makes the playoffs, there will be a 3A avenue set up and CHS will play against other 3A opponents.
Q. Is CHS switching to a 2A classification?
A. YES, On Friday, April 23, WIAA Rep Assembly (made up of 35 individuals) approved a reclassification system based on percentages of students versus actual student numbers. This classification system takes effect in the Fall of 2006. For more information on the reclassification system see: http://www.wiaa.com/
Q. How is classification counted?
A. WIAA-High Schools count their top three grades (10-12) for enrollment purposes. If your numbers fall between 601-1200, you are a 3A school. However, the WIAA just passed a new amendment on determining what a school is classified at based on percentages. For more information on the reclassification system see: http://www.wiaa.com/
Q. What types of school activities does the decision to participate in the Cascade league affect?
A. The only sport affected is boys' golf. In Kingco 3A, boys' golf is a Fall sport. In the Cascade Conference, boys' golf is in the Spring along with girls' golf. Most of the states boys' and girls' golf are in the Spring with state competition being in May. Dance/Drill/Music are not affected in any way. They will continue to participate in the same competitions that they currently participate in.
Q. How does going from 3A to 2A, or participating in a mixed 2A, 3A league affect the athletes' ability to get athletic scholarships?
A. Has no effect whatsoever. College coaches look for student-athletes no matter what the classification. If a student-athlete is good enough, they will be found.
Q. Are coaches excited with the league change?
A. YES!!!!!