The Idaho High School Activities Association (IHSAA) approved the reclassification of seven team sports for Canyon Ridge High School last week. This approval allows teams in all sports, except boys soccer, to move down one classification, back to 5A, beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.
The petition process is extensive, and IHSAA allows schools to petition for changes in classifications for specific team activities. Individual activities, such as track, wrestling, tennis, and swimming, are not eligible for reclassification. To complete a petition, activities directors must submit documentation related to the team’s competitive record and length of travel time. Additionally, they may provide letters of support to help argue their case for reclassifying specific teams. The CRHS petition included letters of support from many parents as well as superintendents and activities directors in the Great Basin Conference, where these sports will return to compete in the 2026-27 school year.
This decision applies specifically to team sports, not activities where students compete individually, and will allow Canyon Ridge student-athletes to compete against schools within closer geographic proximity. Under the current classification, student-athletes were competing in the 6A classification, which resulted in extensive travel times, with the nearest competitions being two hours away from the school. These travel constraints are not only costly as the price of transportation continues to increase, but they are also causing students to miss instructional time that would be valuable for these student-athletes.
“We are grateful for the IHSAA’s consideration and support of our petitions,” said Dr. Brady Dickinson, superintendent of the Twin Falls School District. “This means less travel time, more time in the classroom, and greater opportunities for families and fans to support our athletes. We are especially proud of the leadership exhibited by the CRHS leadership team and Activities Director, Chris Waitley, as they pursued this decision."
The move will affect Canyon Ridge's team sports, including football, girls’ and boys’ basketball, volleyball, baseball, and softball, girls' soccer, while boys' soccer will remain in its current classification.
Canyon Ridge High School will begin competing under the new classifications at the start of the 2026–2027 athletic seasons.