High school athletics participation increased for the 19^th consecutive year, according to a study done by the National Federation of State High School Associations. Participation at NFHS member schools for the 2007-08 school year reached 7,429,381, an all-time high.

Both genders also recorded all-time high participation rates, with 3,057,266 girls and 4,372,115 boys competing at the high school level in the last academic year.

The survey determined that about 54.8 percent of high school students participate in athletics.

“This is certainly another great report on the interest of high school sports in our nation’s schools,” said NFHS Executive Director Robert F. Kanaby. “The fact that we experienced all-time records for both girls and boys reflects the fact that the high school sports participation experience is more viable than ever and is of great interest to our nation’s young people. In addition, the results support the NFHS 2008-11 strategic plan, in which the organization committed to providing stronger leadership and support for high school athletics and fine arts activities.”

Competitive spirit squads (competitive cheerleading) gained the most female participants in 2007-08, followed by soccer and cross country. More boys began playing lacrosse than any other sport, followed by soccer, swimming and diving, and cross country.

Overall, both bowling and lacrosse saw significant increases in popularity among high school students.

Basketball continues to be the most popular sport for girls, followed by outdoor track and field, and volleyball. Boys are most likely to play football, followed by basketball and outdoor track and field.

Texas, California and New York have the most high school sports participants.

For more complete results from the survey, visit www.nfhs.org.