Jason Moore

DEC 16, 2021

On Monday, The Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) finalized and adopted the classification plan for the four-year time block that begins in the 2022-23 school year.  This moves North Bend to the 4A classification as a member of the Sky-Em League. The Sky-Em consists of Cottage Grove, Junction City, Marist Catholic, and Marshfield. 

Athletic and Activities Director, Mike Forrester is excited for the new classification. “It’s A Great Day To Be A Bulldog!!!  This move allows us to decrease our travel significantly which will let students be in class longer. Our students endured a lot of missed classes for the last four years but maintained great grades. This move should also allow us to be more competitive since we get to compete with schools closer to our size.”

Superintendent, Kevin Bogatin, who also serves as the 5A classification representative on the OSAA Executive Board, recognizes the significance of this change. He stated, “This was one of the first issues brought to my attention when I became the superintendent. North Bend High School has been one of the smallest 5A schools and while our Bulldog athletes have held their own competitively, including a 5A championship in track & field, this move will create more competitive balance in all sports. I’m excited for the future of Bulldog athletics!”

This is a move from the 5A Midwestern League that impacts all sports except football. Football is redistricted separately and will begin in January. The current classification process serves as a guide to redistricting football and North Bend is expecting a move from 5A to 4A in a process that will be completed in the next few months.