News Summary

Peoria Manual High School is set to transition from Class 2A to Class 3A due to a significant increase in student enrollment, with numbers rising to 810 students. This change will affect their competition in sports, allowing them to showcase their talent in a higher classification while continuing to compete in Class 2A for boys soccer and wrestling. The school’s athletic history boasts resilience, with multiple regional championships and a proud tradition of excellence that they aim to uphold in their new division.

Peoria Manual High School Steps Up to Class 3A for 2025-26 Sports Season

Peoria, a city known for its vibrant community and sporting spirit, is buzzing with exciting news as Peoria Manual High School gears up for a leap in classification for the upcoming 2025-26 school year. Thanks to a significant increase in student enrollment, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has officially moved Manual High from Class 2A to Class 3A, making it one of 18 schools in Illinois to see such changes.

A Closer Look at the Numbers

This shift comes after an increase in enrollment figures, which initially pegged Manual at 669 students. However, upon receiving the latest data from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), the school reports a total enrollment of 810 students. This growth officially places the Rams well within the Class 3A range of 700.01 to 1,600 students, resulting in a new path of competition for the school’s sports teams.

Changes in Classifications

With this classification boost, Peoria Manual High School will now compete in Class 3A for boys basketball, girls basketball, and volleyball. Meanwhile, the school will remain in Class 2A for boys soccer and wrestling. This balanced approach allows the Rams to showcase their talents across various sports while embracing new challenges in a higher division.

Impact on Statewide Schools

It’s worth noting that this adjustment has had widespread implications, affecting over 600 schools across Illinois, with nearly 200 institutions underreporting enrollments. The impact of this data on so many schools is a significant development in the ongoing landscape of high school athletics in the state.

A Proud Tradition

Peoria Manual has a legacy to uphold in sports. The Rams recently capped off an impressive season by finishing fourth in the Class 2A boys basketball state finals, securing their 17th state trophy. This achievement reflects the school’s long-standing tradition of excellence. Previously, Manual competed in Class 2A from 2007 to 2010, during which they achieved the runner-up title in both 2008 and 2010, making their mark in state history.

Success in Class 3A

Before this new classification, Manual had a strong run in Class 3A from 2010 to 2023, winning seven regional championships, earning three trips to the Elite Eight, and taking home two state trophies with placements in 2016 and 2019. The Rams show no signs of backing down as they continue to build on this record and foster their athletic prowess.

Preparing for the Challenges Ahead

As the Rams step up in competition, Coach Marvin Jordan and his team are proud of their accomplishments and their unwavering commitment to the game plan. A recent highlight includes a stellar performance against Williamsville, where the team achieved a commanding 52-29 victory to secure their spot in the state finals. It marked their first state finals appearance since 2019 and their 24th overall.

Looking Forward

With a solid defensive strategy and a strong offensive start, where they jumped to an 18-0 lead against Williamsville, the Rams have shown that they are ready for whatever this new chapter brings. The team successfully forced 11 turnovers, demonstrating their commitment to both defense and teamwork.

Upcoming Semifinal Matchup

As excitement builds, all eyes are now on the upcoming semifinal match against Chicago Dyett, which is scheduled for Thursday at 3:45 p.m. at the State Farm Center, located at the University of Illinois. With this matchup on the horizon, the Peoria Manual Rams are prepared to put their best foot forward in their new division and continue to build on their proud tradition of excellence.

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