IPS petitions IHSAA to reclassify schools

As athletic involvement drops in the Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), the district has asked the IHSAA to reclassify its member schools for the 2009-10 school year - two years before the next classification cycle is scheduled to occur. The IPS made its request mainly due to reorganization within the school district that will see decreasing enrollment numbers at several schools. Currently, Arlington, Broad Ripple, Manual and Tech compete in Class 4A for baseball, softball, basketball and volleyball. Northwest and Howe are classified as 3A schools, while Washington is 2a and Crispus Attucks is Class A this year, its first with varsity sports since reopening. The IHSAA has said it will hold on a decision until the data has been received, with Commissioner Blake Ress cautioning about reclassifying schools in mid-cycle. VYPE will continue to update on this story in the coming weeks and months.