School: Greenwood/Loyal Football Programs will Merge (2022)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Green, Lindner

----Source: TRG (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 05 Oct 2022

The Loyal and Greenwood boards of education both decided last week to form a varsity football cooperative program, possibly as early as next fall. When it does begin, the new team will play the 11-man format and should have enough players to field junior varsity and perhaps even freshman teams.

With both programs facing declining player numbers and the prospect of putting underclassmen on the field against other schools’ juniors and seniors, the boards approved the co-op at meetings held last week. Greenwood had initially asked for the merger, as it was short of players even though it switched to the 8-man format several years ago. Loyal is still playing 11-man football, but has several underclassmen in starting roles this season.

The schools were facing a Nov. 1 deadline from the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) for a commitment for the 2024 season. The combined team can begin to play next year, but would not be eligible for the playoffs.

The action taken by the Loyal Board last week calls for a definite co-op-program for 2024, but the possibility of still fielding its own team next year. District Administrator and head football coach Chris Lindner recommended that action, and said he wants to evaluate the situation after this season ends on Oct. 14.

Lindner said he’s “split” on whether to start the co-op next year or wait until 2024.

“I do want to get it going, but we also have some incoming seniors that deserve to at least have a chance (to play on a team that could qualify for playoffs),” Lindner said.

Loyal held a parent meeting on the co-op topic on Sept. 26, and Lindner said the consensus from about 50 in attendance was to move ahead with a merger.

Greenwood District Administrator Joe Green said his school was definitely in favor of the co-op program, in order to build a stronger program down the road. With a combined roster -- there would be about 50 players on a combined team this season -- the schools will be able to properly teach skills to younger players before thrusting them into competition as underclassmen.

Green also said a cooperative football venture is part of Greenwood’s and Loyal’s recent attempts to find more ways to collaborate as neighboring districts to give students maximum opportunities.

No decisions have yet been made regarding coaching staffs, uniforms, etc.

The schools will definitely start a cooperative middle school program next year, with the varsity venture possible for 2023.