PIAA REALIGNMENT SIGNALS CHANGES
TRACK & FIELD IMPROVEMENTS AT HIGH SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL
PIAA REALIGNMENT SIGNALS CHANGES
During the fall , the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association ( PIAA ) and representatives from its member schools voted to expand the current classification system from four to six categories . The changes , made on the basis of student populations , will become effective beginning with the fall 2016 interscholastic sports season .
For Fox Chapel Area High School , the changes will be most evident in baseball , boys ’ and girls ’ basketball , football , and softball . The greatest differences will be the elimination of section competitions against some of the region ’ s largest schools such as North Allegheny and Seneca Valley . Coaches have the option to include former opponents as preseason or nonsection games or scrimmages .
Fox Chapel Area High School teams most affected include :
Baseball ( Now 5A , previously 4A ) Realigned section opponents : Armstrong , Hampton , Kiski Area , Mars Area , North Hills , and Obama Academy
Boys ’ Basketball ( Now 6A , previously 4A ) Realigned section opponents : Hempfield Area , Latrobe , Norwin , Penn Hills , Penn-Trafford , Plum , and Woodland Hills
Five High School Sports Teams See Major Changes
Girls ’ Basketball ( Now 6A , previously 4A ) Realigned section opponents : Hempfield Area , Latrobe , Norwin , Penn Hills , and Penn-Trafford
Football ( Now 5A , previously 4A ) Realigned section opponents : Baldwin , Chartiers Valley , Hampton , Moon , North Hills , Upper St . Clair , West Allegheny , and Woodland Hills
Softball ( Now 6A , previously 4A ) Realigned section opponents : Allderdice , Hempfield Area , Latrobe , Norwin , and Penn Hills
Other sports at Fox Chapel Area High School changing classifications are boys ’ and girls ’ soccer ( from 3A to 4A ) and girls ’ volleyball ( from 3A to 4A ). The classifications of other sports have not changed .
“ We see this as a good thing . The move better aligns like-sized schools and provides more teams opportunities to participate in postseason competitions and playoffs ,” said Michael O ’ Brien , director of athletics for the Fox Chapel Area School District . “ I think we ’ ll notice the biggest difference in our football program because they will begin playing more teams having roughly the same number of students to draw to their rosters . Even though the system will level the playing field in some respects , we certainly will continue to face off against some very talented teams with histories of great success .” ox Chapel Area FOX CHAPEL AREA SCHOOL NEWS
TRACK & FIELD IMPROVEMENTS AT HIGH SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL
Facilities Will Be Closed During Renovations
The Fox Chapel Area High School track and football field will be closed to the public from May 16 until approximately August 10 due to renovations . The artifiical turf and the track will be completely replaced during this time . Additionally , the track at Dorseyville Middle School will also be replaced and will be closed June 1 until approximately August 10 .
The life expectancy of turf and track is about eight to ten years , and after so many years of use , the fibers and surfaces begin to break down . Fox Chapel Area High School ’ s football field and track are near the end of their useable life cycle . Proper field inspections and maintenance have been crucial in keeping the fields in proper playing condition .
The district has anticipated these projects and has money set aside through the ongoing capital projects fund . Additionally , revenues from ticket sales to athletic events help fund track and field improvements . The cost for the entire project , including installation , is expected to be approximately $ 1.1 million .
The tracks at both schools and the turf field at the high school are used not only by student athletes , but also by physical education classes and community members throughout the year .
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