John Glenn braces for the relegation in the new Foothill area, anticipating a potentially positive outcome
In a significant move for high school athletics, the Foothill Area is set to undergo a major reorganisation in the 2026-2027 school year, forming a 20-school mega conference that will combine four existing leagues: the 605 League, Del Rio League, Gateway League, and Mid-Cities League. This reorganisation aims to provide a more balanced competitive landscape, offering a promising future for schools like John Glenn High School.
The new conference will operate on a sport-by-sport basis, promoting and relegating teams to maintain competitive equity. This structure is expected to offer John Glenn High improved competitive equity, potentially enhancing its performance and playoff opportunities in various sports.
Over the past decade, John Glenn High has had limited success in major sports, with only one league championship won by the 2019 football team. The 2006-2007 girls basketball team and the 2015 baseball team were the only exceptions, each claiming a league title during this period. The school has finished in sixth place 23 times and fifth place 20 times in other major sports not named wrestling.
However, the wrestling program has been a shining light, considered Glenn's strongest program. The team is known for its competitive spirit, always seeking challenges. Cerritos High has been a close competitor in wrestling, adding an extra layer of intensity to the rivalry.
Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on John Glenn's athletic programs, resulting in a decline in the number of athletes participating. Additionally, enrollment at the high school has been on a downward trend, with the latest figures showing 697 students for the high school and 151 for Southeast Academy.
The formation of the new conference is part of a broader effort to address the shifting competitive landscape of high school athletics in the area and to provide more opportunities for schools like John Glenn to thrive athletically. The 20 schools involved in the reorganisation have already scheduled non-league events with each other and have had conversations through email in the past.
The league placements for the new conference will be determined by 2025 performances. It is likely that most of John Glenn's teams will be placed in the third or fourth league, suggesting lower-tiered leagues. Schools like California High, Firebaugh High, Lynwood High, Pioneer, and Whittier High are potential candidates for the third league.
The football program is predicted to go into the third league, with six teams, as Oxford Academy and Whitney High don't have football programs. The Eagles have finished in sixth place 23 times and fifth place 20 times in major sports not named wrestling, indicating a need for a more equitable competition.
The wrestling program is expected to be bumped up into the first of the four leagues, with four other schools. This move could provide the wrestling team with the challenging competition it seeks.
The upcoming Foothill Area reorganisation offers a ray of hope for John Glenn High's athletic programs, promising a more balanced competitive landscape and increased opportunities for success. The new conference is set to bring relief to many of Glenn's athletic programs, providing a fresh start and the potential for improved playoff chances in various sports.
The formation of the new mega conference in the 2026-2027 school year may enhance John Glenn High School's sports performance and playoff opportunities, especially in events like wrestling, where the team yearns for challenging competition. The school, which has had limited success in major sports, might find improved competitive equity and elevated league placements in the new conference structure, potentially boosting community news about John Glenn High's athletic programs.
