LRS athletics guaranteed to remain in 2B classification for next four years

The Lind-Ritzville/Sprague athletics program will remain participants in the 2B classification for the next several years, after the WIAA approved new classifications during a meeting on Jan. 26.

According to the WIAA website, Kahlotus tentatively appears to be headed back to play Class 1B sports, instead of playing cooperatively with Lind-Ritzville, Sprague and Washtucna.

The new classifications reflect consideration of the percentage of high school students receiving free or reduced lunches, officials said, noting previously only the overall enrollment was considered.

Under the new guidelines, there will be 85 Class 1B schools, 61 Class 2B, 60 Class 1A, 62 Class 2A, 79 Class 3A and 51 Class 4A.

The WIAA has not yet announced what the leagues will look like next year.

The realignment of classifications is expected to remain in place through 2024.