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The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) released nationwide participation numbers from the 2018-19 school year that indicated a decline in high school athletics and activities participation for the first time in 31 years.

Washington saw a dip in participation, tallying 174,378 students involved in high school activities during the year compared to 175,783 in 2017-18.

While the total number of participants fell in the Evergreen State, the trend was consistent with states around the country, as Washington remained at No. 15 in terms of total participation rankings. In total, schools in Washington saw 94,614 boys turn out compared to 79,764 girls participants.

The NFHS reported that the biggest contributors to the nationwide decline were the two longstanding and popular sports of football and basketball. In Washington, sport participation increased in boys cross country, track and field, and wrestling. Girls participation increased in bowling, track and field, and wrestling.