Aberdeen to mull over classification change

Aberdeen High School officials will consider a classification change for the 2020-21 season, according to the school’s Athletic Director, Aaron Roiko.

A recent amendment passed by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association allows for schools deduct students on a free and reduced lunch program from the school’s enrollment figures when determining the school’s athletic classification.

According to district representatives, Aberdeen High School has approximately 694 students (9-11 grade) that are counted toward a school’s classification, with approximately 57.9 percent of Aberdeen’s entire student body on a free and reduced lunch program.

The amendment states:”The reduction will match the percentage greater than the state wide average up to 40 percent maximum.”

The WIAA threshold for 2A classification is 450-899 students.

Roiko stated that school officials will likely begin exploring whether to remain a 2A school or if a move to the 1A classification is more beneficial.

“Those amendments don’t take affect until the 2020-21 season. So this coming year, we will still be in the 2A section,” he said. “Next fall our district will start weighing any options that benefits our programs.”

Hoquiam grappler Garcia named WIAA Athlete of the Week

Hoquiam Grizzlies wrestler Antonio Garcia was named to the WIAA Athlete of the Week list for Jan. 20-26.

Garcia beat two state-ranked wrestlers from Oregon (11-4 and 9-5) on his way to winning the Ilwaco Beach Brawls Tournament and capping an undefeated 23-0 regular season.