For the 13th consecutive year, the number of students participating in high school athletics has increased, setting an all-time high for participation.

Based on figures from the 50 state high school athletic/activity associations, plus the District of Columbia, that are members of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), participation for the 2001-02 school year rose by 62,292 students, to 6,767,515. This marked the fourth consecutive year that a record was established for participation in high school athletics.

Participation numbers for both boys and girls increased. Boys athletics experienced the greater increase, going up 39,448 participants, while girls participation increased by 22,844. The boys’ mark of 3,960,517 is the fourth-highest overall, and highest since 1977-78. The girls’ mark of 2,806,998 sets an all-time high for female participation.

For the second consecutive year, the biggest gain among girls was in competitive spirit squads, which saw an increase of 6,074 participants. This brought the number of total participants to 94,635, making it the ninth-most popular girls program.

Eleven-player football registered the largest increase among boys sports, adding 11,292 participants.