News Summary

The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has announced that starting in the 2025-26 school year, divisions for track and field will increase from three to five, and for cross country from three to four. This change aims to create a fairer competitive landscape, particularly benefiting athletes from smaller schools by providing more opportunities to compete at their skill level. Coaches have responded positively, anticipating a more inclusive environment. The OHSAA plans to work collaboratively with the Ohio Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches to ensure the implementation meets the needs of all athletes.

Exciting Changes for Ohio High School Athletes: Track and Field & Cross Country Divisions Are Expanding!

In an exciting announcement for students and coaches alike, the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) unveiled that starting in the 2025-26 school year, the divisions for both track and field and cross country will see some significant changes! Get ready for some big shifts that are set to benefit athletes across the state!

What’s Happening?

Currently, there are three tournament divisions for each of the two sports, but come 2025-26, track and field will expand from three divisions to an impressive five divisions. Cross country isn’t left behind either, as it will grow from three to four divisions. This means more opportunities for students to shine and compete against others of similar skill levels!

Who Benefits?

One of the key motivations behind this expansion is to create a fair competition landscape where smaller schools can truly showcase their talent. The plan aims for an even distribution of schools across the new divisions, although details about how schools will be classified into Division I haven’t been fully fleshed out yet.

The OHSAA’s decision comes after closely examining the needs of athletes and schools, especially when considering the recent expansions in other sports like basketball, baseball, soccer, softball, and girls volleyball. It’s all about providing equal opportunities for every athlete and school, which is surely a step in the right direction!

What Coaches Are Saying

Feedback from coaches has been overwhelmingly positive, with many emphasizing how this change will help students from smaller schools to excel in their respective sports. The expansion promises to light up the competitive landscape and allow for a more inclusive environment. Coaches are excited about the increased opportunities for their student-athletes to qualify for state tournaments without the pressure and overwhelming competition levels that can sometimes accompany larger divisions.

While the enthusiasm is palpable, some coaches have expressed the importance of receiving detailed information about these changes before drawing any conclusions on their effects. They are eager to learn how these new division classifications will actually work in practice—especially regarding postseason events and overall competition structure. Clear and concise communication from the OHSAA in the lead-up to 2025 will be essential in keeping everyone well-informed and prepared.

A Collaborative Approach

The OHSAA has been in discussions with the Ohio Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches (OATCCC) for some time, ensuring that changes are not made in isolation but rather through a collaborative approach that highlights the shared goals of improving the sport for everyone involved. This teamwork is crucial in developing ideas that truly resonate with what both coaches and athletes need.

What’s Next?

As we move closer to the rollout of these exciting changes, expect to hear more updates from the OHSAA about how students will be categorized and what specific structures will be in place for competitions. Athletes, coaches, and fans should stay tuned for more information so they can get ready for what promises to be an exhilarating future in track and field and cross country.

In the meantime, take a moment to celebrate this positive shift in the Ohio high school athletic community. It’s an opportunity for every athlete to dream big and push their limits in the upcoming seasons!

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