AHSAA has faced a fair bit of criticism the past couple weeks over a Scottsboro High School classification dispute, but after the correction, at least one person is singing their praises.
Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth praised AHSAA after the Scottsboro reclassification, saying in a social media post this week that the association’s decision to move Scottsboro High School into Class 4A and adjust Douglas High School’s regional alignment was the right outcome for student-athletes and coaches.
Ainsworth thanked AHSAA and Executive Director Heath Harmon for revisiting the data and changing course following the dispute.
Great news today as Scottsboro High School is moving to 4A and Douglas High School is moving to Region 8. Thanks to the AHSAA and Executive Director Heath Harmon for changing course and getting this right. I’m happy for these student athletes, coaches, and schools. pic.twitter.com/9jwVVZ64J3
— Will Ainsworth (@willainsworthAL) February 16, 2026
“Great news today as Scottsboro High School is moving to 4A and Douglas High School is moving to Region 8,” Ainsworth wrote. “Thanks to the AHSAA and Executive Director Heath Harmon for changing course and getting this right. I’m happy for these student athletes, coaches, and schools.”
The AHSAA Central Board of Control recently voted to move Scottsboro High School to Class 4A for the 2026–2028 classification period following review of verified Average Daily Membership data submitted by the school system. Scottsboro officials had previously disputed the enrollment figure used in the initial classification release.
Ainsworth’s public praise is notable since he recently voiced opposition to AHSAA decisions related to classification structure — particularly debates surrounding the separation of public and private schools in competitive groupings.
That issue has drawn discussion among lawmakers, school leaders, and athletic officials statewide, with critics arguing the structure should better account for competitive balance, while AHSAA officials have defended their classification methodology.
In his latest statement, Ainsworth framed the Scottsboro and Douglas adjustments as a positive example of the association revisiting its decisions when presented with updated data.
The reclassification decision affects athletic competition alignment beginning with the upcoming classification cycle.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
