There were several messages delivered at the second meeting with the Highland school board to try and figures out the future of the district’s athletics.
One thing is for sure. There WILL BE FOOTBALL in Highland next fall.
District Administrator Josh Tarrell gave an impassioned speech about what that will happen. A co-op arrangement has been discussed with the most likely option joining Iowa- Grant for 11 man football in the Six Rivers conference where they play in Division 6.
But that will not be the case and it appears Highland will do all it can to remain independent in 8-player action in the Ridge and Valley. The Cardinals have been frequent playoff contenders and have made some deep runs.
Tarrell reminded those packed into the commons area that the motto of the program has been “Smallest school/Biggest heart.” He talked about the importance of Highland Homecoming that fills Saturday with parade, entertainment, a game, dance and plenty of activity throughout the community.
“I’ve had businesses tell me they do as much business that day as they do the rest of the year,” Tarrell said. He also said the coaching staff totals 85 years of experience and he feels they are the best in the state. He did add that safety of the student athletes come first and will always be the top consideration.
Cardinal coach Jasen Scanlan gave an overview of next season. he said there are 17 players committed and the hope is more will join. He said other schools have the same number and one is going with 14.
“Monticello has the same number as us and they are looking forward to it,” Scanlan said. “DeSoto sits at 20. So our numbers are decent.”
He also addressed the possibility of injuries and said that is an unfortunate part of any sport. He pledges to do everything possible to keep the student athletes safe.
Tarrell returned to the success the football program has achieved, pointing out that the Cardinals have played in the post season 12 times in the past 15 years.
“If co-oping ever becomes necessary it will happen,” Tarrell said. “But for now we will have football in Highland.”
Other programs are not as fortunate. With only three players committed to baseball next season the Cardinals will be co-oping with Iowa-Grant. The two districts are in the process of working out the details.
Looking at the numbers softball may be next. Neither program will have a junior varsity next season. Longtime coach Tim Kosharek has been involved heavily in girls basketball and is now the head softball coach.
“I coach for the kids,” Kosharek said. “We need to work out how coaching will be handled with coops. Our athletes need a voice.”
Tarrell said because I-G will be the hosting program they will provide the head coach of there is one in place. If the position is vacant the two schools will meet and decide who will lead the program.
Kosharek said it is important that there is a coach at the varsity level either as head or assistant. A JV team will no doubt practice at a different location and play at the same time.
Tarrell said those concerns will be part of the co-op details.
Later at a special school board meeting a co-op for softball was tabled.
There was also discussion about co-oping in track/field and golf. The board voted to table both but will see if there can be a middle school arrangement for track/field. Middle school athletics have more flexibility as they are not under the WIAA.
While discussing coaching under a co-op it was suggested to have a varsity head and varsity assistant or possibly co-head coaches, one from each district. There would be JV and volunteer coaches also involved.
The possibility of playing baseball in Highland was asked. It was pointed out that it would probably be based on the number of participants for the number of games at each site. Junior varsity games will probably be at Highland.
Bussing was also discussed and will be ongoing as co-ops become necessary.
It was also pointed out that the successful co-op with wrestling will be the template used for co-oping.
Under wrestling Highland provides one coach as Brad Tucker is on the coaching staff.
Kosharek made a point with a way to slow the co-oping.
“Parents, get your kids to go out for all sports even if they will not be a top player. We need as many three sport athletes as we can get. Numbers will save our programs.”
There was a point of clarity offered by Tarrell as he wanted to deal with a rumor.
“There is a rumor that I have been pushing co-ops with Iowa-Grant because I was interested in the Superintendent job. That is not true and I never applied for it,” Tarrell said. “Also I-G board president Ross Leix asked to attend our last session and volunteered to give input. He was not here because I wanted to explore consolidation with them.”
“I just want to clear that up,”Tarrell emphasized.
BOARD MEETING
The senior exit projects were wrapped up as board presentations at the special meeting,
Cora Healy-Dougherty explained her respect for veterans, expecially those in her family and fashioned a quilt that she presented at the Veterans Day program.
Evan Bettner discussed his agriculture drone project and talked about uses such as spraying and photography. He discussed advances in the field and said he plans to start his own drone business.
Lucro Moondragon has put together a book of recipes. He discussed his favorites and hopes to become a chef.
Myles Welsh is restoring a Harley Davidson Sportster and hopes to have it running soon.
Payton Bach is new to Highland but is supporting the community with his woodworking. He has made six picnic tables and three sandboxes which will go to the elementary school.
Bach will be joining the US Army. The board approved a memorandum of understanding with Psychotherapy Center of Waunakee.
The board also approved joining a statement with other districts promoting a bipartisan compromise on public school funding and tax relief.