Class warfare breaks out again in Gem State

I satisfied my curiosity the other day. I was sure the state of Texas had more high school classifications than the Gem State.

After all, there’s no comparison between the states in terms of square miles. The greater Dallas-Ft. Worth area alone seemingly has more high schools than Idaho.

Still, I was flabbergasted when I discovered that Idaho and Texas each have five classifications. I’m not pulling your leg.

It’s been four years since Idaho added a fifth classification in all sports. That’s when the state’s largest schools were divided into two divisions (5A and 4A) to match what the state had offered in football since 1984. This fall, the state added a sixth classification in football only when it divided 1A 8-man into two divisions.

I must admit I thought the life span of 4A would be no more than one classification cycle. I figured school officials would decide that five classifications water down the chase for state championships for all classifications – but particularly 4A schools.

I have to be honest. I stop just short of wholeheartedly endorsing five classifications. I appreciate the argument that five divisions give kids more chances to win state titles. I also understand the few who say five divisions dilutes the divisions, especially the 4A ranks.

This is the year the Idaho High School Activities Association considers classification proposals. Not surprisingly, one came before the IHSAA board last month.

Lewiston athletic director Ken Krahn is proposing a four-classification system by combining 5A and 4A schools into one division again.

The IHSAA board moved the proposal to the discussion agenda for its late November meeting. While the issue is sure to create some debate, it’s likely to be short-lived.

Why? Five classifications give kids more opportunities to win state titles in a state where it seems, frankly, teams never exhaust opportunities to qualify for state meets.

Krahn understands his proposal will most likely end up in a Dumpster just outside the IHSAA’s office on Ustick Road in Boise. He knows the smaller Boise-area 4A schools in particular will adamantly oppose it.

In the state of Boise – er, Idaho – the closer you are to Boise, the more voices one can rally around a cause. My Rand McNally shows Lewiston on the southern edge of the Panhandle and some six hours – on a good day with light traffic – away from the state’s capital.

“Look at our population, for crying out loud,” Krahn said. “Everything is watered down. Let’s make winning a state championship worth something. You talk about ‘No Child Left Behind.’ We do that in athletics in Idaho.”

Krahn’s school is in 5A and will always be in the big-school ranks. So that got me to wondering: Why does Krahn give a hoot?

“I’m an Idaho boy – born and raised in Gooding and played football at Idaho State,” Krahn explained. “I’ve been in every corner of the state. (Four classifications) is what’s best for kids. Nobody wants to be the smallest (school in a division), but somebody has to be the smallest.”

IHSAA executive director Bill Young agreed, to a point.

“No matter how you cut it, it’s going to cause some people some heartburn,” Young said. “Does five classifications work? You get more kids involved in programs.”

Young predicted the November meeting should be highly attended.

“I know it probably won’t (pass),” Krahn added. “(Four classifications) is what’s good for kids. Let’s make a state championship worth something.”