The tradition-rich John Bapst Memorial High School schoolboy basketball program has won four state championships in three different classes dating back to 1982.

Beginning with the 1998-99 season, the Crusaders are expected to begin their quest for the school’s first Class A hoop title.

The Bangor-based private school has scheduled an 11 a.m. press conference today, and the NEWS has learned John Bapst plans to announce its intention to apply for Class A status in boys and girls basketball beginning in 1998-99.

The John Bapst Board of Trustees reportedly approved the move Tuesday morning after considering a proposal made by Crusaders athletic director and boys basketball coach Bob Cimbollek.

Cimbollek declined comment when contacted Tuesday. However, it is common knowledge around eastern Maine that the hoop guru known for his methodical “Shuffle” offense has been pushing the idea for the last four or five years.

John Bapst, which has an enrollment of 454 students, has competed in Class B for most sports since 1992. The exceptions are football and wrestling, which are Class C competitors.

John Bapst may be attempting to build on its lofty academic reputation by further building its athletic program. Cheverus High School, a private Catholic school in Portland, has an enrollment of 325.

Under Maine Principals’ Association guidelines, that would place Cheverus in Class C for most sports. However, the Stags have long competed in the Western Maine Class A ranks with a considerable amount of success. Cheverus captured the state title last season.

MPA rules require a school petitioning to play in a higher classification to place both the boys and girls squads there for a minimum of four years.

“If they apply up, they have to remain up for four years,” said Presque Isle High School Principal Frank Keenan, a member of the MPA Classification Committee. “That rule is there for scheduling, so schools don’t go back and forth and leave people in the lurch.”

John Bapst’s girls program has been a regular at the Eastern Maine tournament, having qualified in eight of the last 10 seasons under coach Len Miragliuolo. The Crusaders have missed the last two years in Class B.

While details of the proposal hadn’t been released Tuesday night, it is possible John Bapst may attempt a move to Class A in other sports in the coming years.

John Bapst did compete in Class A basketball, then know as “LL,” in the 1960s when it was a private Catholic school.