Athletic Realignments Offer Competitive Opportunities for EMS ISD High School
The University Interscholastic League (UIL) held its bi-annual realignment in February, making significant adjustments to district enrollments with the addition of Eagle Mountain High School in the Eagle Mountain-Saginaw Independent School District.
The opening of Eagle Mountain High School in August 2024 has reshaped the district’s athletic landscape, with changes in classifications affecting various schools. Notably, Chisholm Trail moved down from 6A to 5A, while Saginaw (5A) and Boswell (6A) maintained their respective classifications. These changes set the stage for exciting competitions across different sports for all schools during the 2024-2026 seasons.
Commencing with the 2024-2025 football season, Chisholm Trail and Saginaw will join the 4-5A district. The schools competing in this district for football include Arlington Heights, North Side, Paschal, Polytechnic, South Hills, Trimble Tech, and O.D. Wyatt. For volleyball and basketball, Chisholm Trail and Saginaw will contend in District 5-5A, facing off against Aledo, Azle, Granbury, Fossil Ridge,
and Brewer.
“It will be an exciting race to a district championship for these schools,” said John Abendschan, EMS ISD Assistant Athletic Director.
Meanwhile, Boswell High School is set to compete in District 3-6A for football, volleyball, and basketball.
“This district is the best possible competitive opportunity for all sports to advance,” Abendschan said in reference to Boswell. The UIL district rivals for Boswell include Crowley, Mansfield, Mansfield Lake Ridge, Mansfield Legacy, North Crowley, and Weatherford. Eagle Mountain High School’s football program will make its debut in District 3-4A, facing off against Bridgeport, Brock, Burkburnett, Graham, and
Mineral Wells.
“The Knights will start their inaugural varsity season with grades 9-11 only. I look forward to watching the coaching staff build a competitive program in a strong 4A district,” Abendschan said. EMHS’s volleyball and basketball programs will compete in District 3-4A against Bridgeport, Burkburnett, Decatur, Krum, Lake Worth, and Castleberry.
The realignment has sparked enthusiasm among coaches, athletes, and fans alike, as the reshaped districts promise competitive match-ups and exciting finishes. Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD is gearing up for an eventful and spirited sports season across the district.
