Sports teams are coming to Griffin Academy High School and Mare Island Technology Academy High School.
Both schools began the winter and spring team process this week with both schools earning Associate Memberships with the California Interscholastic Federation in the Oakland District of the Bay Area Charter Schools Athletic Conference (BACSAC). The Griffin Technology Academy school opened in 1999 and now has 1,050 students (growing to 1,900 by 2023).
“We are delighted and delighted to be accepted by BACSAC as Associate Members of CIF for the Oakland portion,” Chris Owens, athletic director for both schools, said in a news release. “The BACSAC staff is very familiar with charter school infrastructure and has provided immediate guidance since we built our program from the ground up. Our student-athletes are eager to represent our school in intense and healthy competition.”
Mare Island Technology will begin athletic competition in four sports — boys’ and girls’ basketball, boys’ volleyball and girls’ soccer — during the upcoming winter and spring BACSAC seasons.
Griffin Academy will begin playing men’s volleyball and women’s soccer this coming spring. Future athletic programs include women’s volleyball, baseball, softball, track and field, and cross country.
GA and MIT student-athletes participating in individual sports such as wrestling, bowling, track and field, golf, swimming and tennis may register individually through the Oakland Division.
As the newest members of BACSAC, GA and MIT will now join AIMS High School, Arise High School, Bay Area Technical High School, Envision Academy, Golden State Prep, Impact Academy of Arts & Tech, Invictus Academy of Richmond, John Henry High School, Kipp King Collegiate, Latitude High School, Leadership Public School Hayward, Leadership Public School Richmond, Lighthouse Community Charter, Lionel Wilson College Prep, Lodestar High School, Oakland Charter School, Oakland Unity High School, Richmond Cal Prep, and Twin Oaks High School .
BACSAC is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving student-athletes to help them reach their academic and athletic potential. BACSAC conducts intercollegiate athletic competitions under the CIF.
“We are all very excited to join BACSAC and be part of a highly competitive league,” said sophomore Britanae Smith, who has been assisting with the formation of the MIT women’s basketball team. “It’s a big step for our school and we’re ready to play.”
Currently, GA and MIT students are not required to make optional donations to participate in their athletic programs.
“Cost will not be a barrier for GA and MIT athletes to compete,” Superintendent Nick Driver said. “We understand the financial realities of many students and will always strive to limit any costs associated with athletics. Moving to BACSAC is a significant step forward in our school’s growth. Interscholastic competition is an important part of the high school experience and we are proud to offer it To our student-athletes.”