BY RAY SCHAEFER
Enquirer contributor
Ryle and Simon Kenton are the two Northern Kentucky high schools that will be affected most when realignment goes into effect next season.
The Kentucky High School Athletic Association approved Thursday the new alignment for the 1999-2000 seasons. For the first time since the KHSAA split to four classes in 1975, schools will no longer be allowed to voluntarily play in a bigger class.
Ryle and Simon Kenton move from Class AAA to AAAA. The Raiders and Pioneers join Boone County, Lexington Bryan Station, Campbell County, Lexington Henry Clay and Scott County in District 6.
The move will mean more travel and tougher schedules in the playoffs. District 6 is now paired in a region with a tough District 5, which includes state powers Louisville Trinity and Fern Creek as well as Ballard, Eastern, Jeffersontown, Seneca and Southern.
Ryle coach Dave Eckstein said playing Highlands and CovCath has been good preparation for Trinity and the others.
"We're looking forward to it," Eckstein said. "I don't know any teams tougher in the state than Highlands and CovCath."
Highlands stayed in AAA but with an enrollment of 813, it will be tied with Franklin-Simpson for the smallest enrollment in AAA. The Bluebirds will be in District 5 with Conner, Covington Catholic, Dixie Heights, Holmes and Scott.
