After much anticipation, the two-time class 4-A State Champions Denton Ryan will now move to class 5-A. The annoucement came Monday morning from the UIL. Ryan begins 5-A play this upcoming football season, but the effects of the realignment extend far beyong the football field.

"Band, orchestra, choir, debate, pros, volleyball, softball, all of our athletics programs," says Ryan High principal Ellen Fuller. " We will compete with schools that are 2000 and more."

What’s the reason for Ryan’s realignment? Size. With about 60 fewer students, Denton High remains in 4A -- which means Ryan will be competing with schools of similar size or somewhat larger.

"It may take us awhile to get back up to speed. But we like to be very academic and athletic," says Fuller. "So I think we will be and the sooner, the better."

Don’t count the Raiders out just yet. As defending high school football state champions, Denton Ryan has a promising year ahead.

RELATED LINKS:
University Interscholastic League Website
Complete UIL Realignment List