Information from Highline Public Schools

Highline will add several new sports programs at the middle school level over the next two years, as recommended by the district’s Middle School Athletics Assessment Committee.

Starting next fall, middle school athletes will have the opportunity to turn out for wrestling (Season 3), girls’ soccer (Season 2) and running-conditioning clubs (Seasons 2 and 3).

Cross country, softball and tackle football will be added in 2014-15. Also in 2014-15, to increase the pool of potential coaches, traditional fall and spring sports will swap seasons. Track and field, boys’ soccer, and softball will run in Season 1; volleyball, football and cross country will run in Season 4.

“It has been our mission to improve the connection between our middle and high school programs to ensure strong communication, leveled instruction of basic skills and a belief system that ensures growth and success,” said Director of Athletics Terri McMahan. “Expansion of middle school sports provides the opportunity to rebuild the foundation of our athletics program, involve more students, and galvanize the entire secondary program.”

Highline’s middle schools will join its high schools as members of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) beginning fall of 2013. WIAA membership ensures compliance with rules, regulations, and professional coaching standards at the middle level.

Sports physicals, good for 24 months, will be required of all middle school participants. The Athletics Department is currently revising middle level participation forms to reflect the new programs and sports schedule. New participation forms will be available at www.highlineschools.org by mid-June. Questions should be directed to Terri McMahan, Director of Athletics, terri.mcmahan@highlineschools.org, 206-988-4773.