By Robert Hudson

The Selma Times-Journal

 

Ellwood Christian Academy opted for a change of scenery and made a move it believes will have a positive impact, not only on its student body, but also the community.

With the release of the Alabama High School Athletic Association reclassifications for the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 athletic years on Wednesday, it was revealed that Ellwood Christian will officially become a member of AHSAA Class 1A Region 3, leaving behind the Alabama Independent School Association after a two-year stint.

Gary Crum, board chairman at Ellwood Christian Academy, said the decision has been long in the making and will benefit the school and the community.

“The main thing behind our wanting to affiliate with the Alabama High School Athletic Association is to give our students more exposure to various sports and build greater camaraderie in the community by having the opportunity to play in competition with area schools,” Crum said. “This decision was made several months ago. The principal, myself and other members of the board were just exploring some options that may present themselves to us and then when the dust had settled, we felt that this would be a good move for our program.”

Ellwood will now join a region that includes local program Keith High School, as well as Maplesville, Autaugaville, Akron, Billingsley, Holy Spirit, and Sunshine.

Crum said the move will help Ellwood with transportation costs in a big way.

“One thing that it’s going to help us out on is transportation cost,” Crum said. “When we were with the AISA, they have schools pretty much all over the state and the distance we had to go to engage in various activities was tremendous. With today’s fuel cost, everywhere you can cut some cost is an advantage to your program.”

Crum said that while the competition will be tough, he believes Ellwood teams, which include the defending AISA Class 1A state champion boys basketball team, will be able to compete in the AHSAA.

“We feel that we’ll be able to compete with the other schools in the AHSAA,” Crum said. “Don’t get me wrong, we enjoyed our two-year stay with the AISA, but we’ll be able to compete in the AHSAA.”

Crum said the move has created a lot of excitement at Ellwood.

“We’re looking forward to it. All of our coaches are excited,” Crum said. “I think it’s going to be a good fit as far as what we’re trying to accomplish here at Ellwood Christian Academy.”