In this Nov. 1, 2019, Sentinel file photo, Hanford quarterback Cason Whitney celebrates after picking up a first down to seal the win during the fourth quarter of the 76th Milk Can game against Lemoore in a West Yosemite League contest at the Neighbor Bowl. Football led the top 10 boys sports with 89,756 participants which decreased by 1.69% or 1,549 participants.
In this Jan. 10, 2020, Sentinel file photo, Sierra Pacific’s Kaitlin Thayer (11) battles for possession during the first half of an East Sequoia League game against Strathmore at Sierra Pacific High School. Girls soccer led the top 10 girls sports for the fifth consecutive year with 48,647 participants.
SACRAMENTO — Kings County and many other counties throughout the state saw an increase In sports participation for an eighth consecutive year.
Education-based athletics participation continues to increase in California and is at an all-time high, according to the 2019-20 California Interscholastic Federation Sports Participation Survey. Up by 0.16% since the previous 2018-19 survey, 815,313 student-athletes are competing in education-based athletic programs in California.
“We are encouraged to see steady growth in education-based athletics,” states CIF Executive Director Ron Nocetti. “The CIF looks forward to continuing this trend and will remain focused on its goals of expanding participation opportunities for girls as well as providing additional opportunities for all students at our member schools.”
Along with the overall participation increase in education-based athletics, there were a few sports that saw noticeable increases across both genders. Of the top 10 sports, volleyball saw the largest percentage increase, a combined 2.68% or 1,830 more participants, followed by track and field with a 2.03% or 2,050 more participants, and swimming and diving with a 1.07% increase or 552 more participants.
Football (11-player) continues to lead the top 10 boys’ sports with 89,756 participants which decreased by 1.69% or 1,549 participants. Track and field (57,302) is the second most popular sport, which increased by 3.55%, followed by soccer (55,036), basketball (47,675), and baseball (45,132) which increased by 1.77%. Additionally, boys’ volleyball participation increased by 5.99%, as well as boys’ lacrosse, which increased by 4.71%.
