In the current KSHSAA Journal were some interesting participation numbers. I am sharing them here NOT to start any arguments or for any other reason than I thought most of you would find them as interesting as I did.

Kansas ranks 33rd nationally in population but 25th in participation in high school athletics.

In 2007-08 there was an increase in the number of girl and boy participants and of course, total participation, over 2006-07.

In Kansas the top five most popular boy sports (as determined by number participating) were as follows: football, frack & field, basketball, baseball and wrestling.

Nationally, the top five most popular boy sports were: football, basketball, track & field, baseball and soccer.

Interestingly, KANSAS RANKED #6 NATIONALLY in 2007-08 in the number of wrestling participants (4792).

For the girls, the top five sports in Kansas were: volleyball, basketball, track & field, Softball and soccer.

Nationally, the top five sports for girls were basketball, track & field, volleyball, softball and soccer.

Greg Mann
Norton, KS