WIAA denies Battle Ground 3A football drop-down request

It’s a no for Battle Ground football.

The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association denied the school’s request to drop down to Class 3A in football only. The decision keeps the Tigers in 4A.

Battle Ground athletic director Matt Stanfill appeared before a classification hearing Friday featuring district directors statewide to hear the school’s case. Battle Ground did not appeal the directors’ decision.

“It’s disappointing,” Stanfill said Saturday of the outcome. “I understand why there’s people that wouldn’t want us to be (at 3A). As an athletic director, I have to do what’s best for our Battle Ground kids and our community. I thought it was the right thing to do … but they saw it differently.”

Last spring, the WIAA passed an amendment that allows schools to petition to play down one classification in football only. Battle Ground submitted its application earlier this month, citing program trends, including win-loss records, and participation numbers among other factors for its reasoning to play 3A football.

While disappointed in the outcome, Stanfill is appreciative for the opportunity, and knows the football program will continue to move forward in 4A.

“Our coaches get so much out of our kids, and they do,” he said. “Our kids step up. They do, and they will. I joke with people, ‘At Battle Ground, we tip over cows for fun.’ We have a bunch of tough kids that get after it. And that’s what we’ll do. What other choice do we have? We’re not going to roll over.”

Pending the WIAA finalizing the 2020-24 enrollment period Sunday, the 4A Greater St. Helens League will consist of Battle Ground, Camas, Skyview and Union in all sports. Heritage is reclassified as 3A.