In a unanimous vote at the most recent Board of Education meeting, Cowgirl and Cowboy summer sports teams will be made up of C-G-D student-athletes only as no other players will be allowed onto the team. This would be specifically those from neighboring Belmond-Klemme and Eagle Grove, the only two schools in the state that are not fielding teams of their own this summer.
According to superintendent Dr. Bob Olson, there has been players reaching out to the school for a chance to join up with the teams. After Governor Reynolds decision to open practices statewide on June 1, and to start the seasons on June 15, Iowa became the first state in the nation to start up high school athletics. Rules and procedures were spelled out for both the teams and spectators to follow. Reynolds also made provision for players of schools that decided not to play. The Governor, along with both the IGHSAU AND IHSAA, then waived any ineligibility period and allowed players to play with any other school.
“We were contacted by coaches and players from both neighboring districts,” stated Olson. “In consultation with the athletic directors and Joe Nelson (incoming superintendent), we preliminarily denied these requests based on two concerns. Those were that they could step in and cause disunity, and that they may be disappointed if they don’t play as much as they did on their own district team.”
Based on that, Olson’s recommendation was so support the administrative position and deny players from other districts to play on the C-G-D teams. The school board then voted to do just that. “We would love to help these players from the neighboring schools out, but it’s not very deserving to our own athletes as in how it would affect them,” stated board president Beth Severson. “What if there would become too many players on the team, which would mean that those from another team that drive to each game might not get to even play. On the flip side, it could make for a more competitive team and might lead to a more successful team. It’s a tough call.”
