Revamped KingCo getting new look

KingCo principals unanimously approved Thursday a new combined-classification conference alignment unlike any other in the state.

The vote concluded months of study and debate as administrators searched for a solution with several schools set to change classifications next fall because of rising or falling enrollment numbers. Three schools will move from Class 3A to Class 4A while Juanita will drop to 3A, and Interlake from 3A to 2A.

Franklin will move from KingCo 4A to the Metro League.

The approved alignment, which takes effect next fall, differentiates between team and individual sports. In individual sports, the 19 schools will be divided geographically into four combined-classification divisions. In team sports, KingCo will be divided into the 4A Crown Division, the 4A Crest Division and a 2A/3A division.

"We didn't want to set up a situation where we were forcing Interlake to play a school well over twice its size [in team sports]," said KingCo 4A president John Applegate, Redmond athletic director.

The conference will meet in the next week to finalize playoff formats and scheduling details for specific sports. Interlake athletic director Art Kuehn will also meet with the WIAA district office to determine how his school will qualify for postseason in Class 2A.