The Wesco North and South are going to have a new look next year, as the focus has turned from location to classification.

With the new structure, the Wesco will keep north and south divisions in 4A, but will add a 3A division.

“It makes sense to have a 3A division,” said Marysville-Pilchuck athletic director Craig Erickson. “We could have as many as nine or 10 3A teams in the next couple of years.”

I agree with what Erickson described as a near consensus decision by Wesco athletic directors in the need for 3A separation.

In other areas I’ve covered, more distinct league classifications has led to the rapid acceleration of lacking programs, as they are able to schedule more similar opponents in both football and basketball. It also frees up more opportunities to schedule games with the top schools in your classification, as fewer games are required to complete the Wesco season.

This change will affect football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, wrestling and tennis. The other sports, such as swimming and cross country, will keep the same hybrid schedule.

The 4A North teams will include Arlington, Lake Stevens, Marysville-Pilchuck, Monroe, Snohomish and Stanwood.

In two years, Marysville-Getchell will begin in 3A while Erickson said Pilchuck might drop down a classification.