New UIL realignment mixes things up

By Michael Brooks

Staff Writer

The UIL released its preliminary enrollment numbers on Dec. 6 and according to Ganado’s numbers, the Indians and Maidens will be heading to a higher classification at the beginning of the 2018 school year.

Schools in class 3A Division I have an enrollment of 335 to 504 students. Edna’s enrollment number was 452 and Industrial came very close to dropping down in classification with 351 students. Of the teams that share a district with Edna and Industrial, only Van Vleck will change classifications, dropping down.

“It’s unfortunate that there are bigger schools around but this is the hand that we are dealt,” Industrial Superintendent Paul Darilek said. “Seventeen students over really is a lot. This year we have a smaller senior class than usual. I don’t see us dropping in classification in two years (when the UIL realigns again) unless the UIL changes their enrollment qualifications.”

Class 3A Division II has between 225 and 334 students and Ganado’s count was 227, barely pushing them up in classification.

“Over the years, we have been at the lower end of enrollment before,” Ganado Superintendent Dr. John Hardwick said. “I think football is usually affected the most. It always helps when you have more students. 30 years ago, I remember playing some of the teams that may be in our district in the coming year. The change should make everything more competitive but we are addressing it in a positive way.”

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