To begin this month, I’d like to encourage students, parents, and everyone who has vested interest in our high school football program to continue discussions surrounding our classification for 2026 and 2027.
On or before November 30, our Sports Cooperative with McPherson County will need to make a request for any alternative classification for football we may want for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. One question that looms, is whether we play 8-man or 6-man football. At this time, it seems likely that we will qualify to be in the newly formed D-3 classification containing the smallest of 8-man teams. In the next cycle D-1 will be the 32 largest teams, and D-2 & D-3 will split the rest of the 8man schools in half (the smallest half to D-3).
Up to this point the popular sentiment seems to be that we should play 8-man in D-3, reason being that we should continue to prepare and develop players in the 8-man game, because our enrollment of boys will increase long term. Some other things to consider in my opinion: 1. Playing 6-man will likely require more travel and more day games, and more Thursday games in general, thus making it more challenging for parents and the community to get to games. 2. After visiting with coaches, they have expressed that we will likely be more competitive in D-3, where we will play teams with more similar number of players, understanding that we have been the smallest team in D-1 these past 2 seasons. 3. 6-man football is a different game, with less need for those players who anchor the line of scrimmage on offense and defense, and with somewhat less emphasis on blocking and tackling in smaller spaces. 4. Finally, it’s been my experience that most schools that transition to 6-man rarely go back to 8-man football, thus losing some of the cultural aspects of the 8-man game that encourage player participation and development. And with many boys coming of age, I’d hate to see us unknowingly create a situation that promotes less participation in football, at a time when participation rates are in decline in all sports across the board. Regardless of my opinions, I would once again encourage some rigorous conversation in the community as our respective boards of education decide by November 30.
As many know our Stapleton Community for Kids group has been busy releasing information and surveying the community about solutions for quality childcare in Stapleton and the surrounding area. And to assist them, I’d like to address some questions that have come up so far. So here goes!
1) What is C4K? And what is the goal for Daycare in Stapleton? C4K (Communities for Kids) is a non-profit organization created to assist rural Nebraska communities in the creation of viable and quality solutions for childcare. The goal in Stapleton is to increase access to quality and affordable childcare. It should be noted that the group is working to find a solution that fits the community, and one that will be supported and can be sustained by the community.
2) Is the daycare going to be licensed and state-certified? Whatever solution is implemented in Stapleton, it would be licensed, and in compliance with all legal requirements.
3) Will the daycare be in the school?
Although it is possible that the best and most viable solution may turn out to be a daycare located in the school, we are looking for a solution that can best meet the needs of the entire community now and into the future. It should also be noted that the current daycare in the school is not directly affiliated with C4K Stapleton.
4) Who is funding this?
In addition to the knowledge and guidance provided by C4K to our local Stapleton group, C4K has also awarded our local group a grant to help fund their efforts, along with some of the costs that may be incurred for the implantation of a solution.
If you have further questions about Stapleton C4K, please visit their facebook page (Community for Kids Stapleton), and while your at it scroll down and take part in their survey. In addition you can email me at brian.redinger@stapletonschools.org , or call me at 308-636-2252, and I’ll be happy to answer your questions as well.
In closing, I’d like to take the opportunity to express my joy and gratitude for the way or volleyball team has competed so far this season. Their high level of play, cooperation on the court, and game time composure is incredibly admirable and inspiring. If you’ve watched them, you’ll know they are playing to win, but you’ll also see a group of young ladies and coaches whose efforts and example are transcending the result of winning or losing. Regardless, of the situation, they are competing well and demonstrating exceptional cooperation and character. And those are the precise qualities we hope to foster and develop in our students through our activities. These are the qualities, whose worth far outweighs the fading value of the win. So, girls, keep fighting for the win, while keeping your eyes on what matters most!