This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Sandy • The Utah High School Activities Association Board of Trustees, comprised of various administrators from across the state, heard from the public at Jordan High on Wednesday on the final opportunity for anyone to voice concerns or support for 2017-19 realignment before it is finalized on Thursday.
Most of the complaints revolved around extended travel time and breaking up traditional rivalries. While several people praised the first consideration of realignment, the majority pleaded for revisions.
The Thursday meeting, closed to the public, is set to begin at 9 a.m.
There were multiple speakers throughout the night, including Bingham principal Christen Richards-Khong, who wants to maintain membership in Region 3 rather than moving to Region 4. She felt Region 4 would be "unbalanced," and Bingham would be the only program residing outside the core area. She added that East, which requested to move up to Class 6A in football only, should endure the burden of travel rather than Bingham because the Leopards asked to move up.
Cyprus principal Robert McDaniel also took issue with East moving into Region 3, which is where Cyprus was placed, instead of playing in Region 6 in Class 5A. He pointed out Cyprus, Copper Hills and Riverton, all in Region 3, collectively went 2-27 in 2015, therefore Region 6 is more competitive, which is why East wanted to move. McDaniel also asked Cyprus to be considered for Region 2 to maintain natural rivalries with Hunter, Kearns and Granger.
Lehi principal Dave Mower asked for the Pioneers to move up to Class 5A for football only, while West Jordan asked to move to Region 2 from Region 3 for competitive purposes. Juan Diego asked to make the jump into Class 4A for all sports other than football.
Wayne principal Mary Bray cited travel concerns with the realignment, which moved the Badgers from Region 20 into Region 19. She said the increased travel time would hinder academic learning, including using an example of a 200-mile, one-way trip. She also expressed concerns about the safety of long travel, especially in inclement weather.
Rick Palmer, an Enterprise representative, asked for four regions in Class 2A, citing travel concerns.
Emery principal Steve Gordon said they agree with reclassification for all sports other than football and asked the panel for the Spartans to be situated in the 2A classification for competitive purposes. Gordon added if Emery has to stay in 3A, they'd prefer to be in the south region rather than the north for better travel.
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