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Amended Districts Ease Travel Concerns

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By NICK WILLIAMS

nwilliams@tampatrib.com

Published: January 17, 2009

TAMPA - Travel was the main concern for several Hillsborough County schools when the Florida High School Athletic Association released its tentative 2009 and 2010 football realignment assignments in December. Wharton High, for example, was grouped in a district that included three out-of-county schools, one 95 miles away.

County athletic director Lanness Robinson submitted an appeal in hopes the FHSAA would heed his advice to group Hillsborough County schools more geographically.

The FHSAA must have listened.

Brandon, Bloomingdale and Wharton were returned to Class 5A (previously 6A), and Freedom, Plant, Newsome and Plant City changed districts to accommodate travel concerns when the FHSAA released the amended football district assignments Friday.

Also, Pasco and Wesley Chapel were moved to 3A (previously 2A).

Berkeley Prep's petition to be moved out of 2B was denied.

In December, Robinson said scheduling wouldn't be an issue with the new districts. He said rivalry games, such as Hillsborough-Plant, Blake-Middleton and possibly Armwood-Plant, would remain.

"You'll still have flexibility to have those games," he said.

Other changes to the amended football assignments include Plant, which recently won the 4A state title, being moved up to 5A and paired with Chamberlain, Alonso and Gaither in District 5. Former state champion Lakeland remains a 5A school. Sickles and Leto were listed with Hillsborough County schools in December, but have been moved into a district with Pinellas County schools Boca Ciega and Largo.

Reporter Nick Williams can be reached at (813) 259-7851.

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