The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Union School Board

by David Grimes, Quill Correspondent

Seventh and eighth grade football will become a reality at Union Elementary School next fall, following a vote approving the program by the Union School Board at their second regular December board meeting December 18.

Sams and Miller were absent. Parsons arrived late.

The board originally was formally approached about the possibility for a junior high tackle football program being implemented last month when Union mom Ann Davies presented a good case for it.

There are currently about 40 boys who would be eligible and who have expressed interest in the sport.

It would replace the high school's current baseball program, which was discontinued due to lack of interest last season.

Union head coach Pat Lynch provided information sheets at the December 18 meeting, outlining specific uniform, coaching and transportation costs for the junior high program, about $10,000 total.

A number of parents have already expressed interest in working on a volunteer basis.

"This would help us get an early start on teaching language and technique before they get to playing at the high school level," said defensive coach Steve Arnold.

Lynch, a veteran of junior high football, confirmed Arnold's observation.

As the program is outlined at the current time, all team members would play, based upon qualifications in academics and attendance at practices. Practices would run concurrently with high school practices.

Cost for officials would run $30 each for three officials per game. Two coaches salaries at $1,500 each are included in the total cost. It was decided that player parents should not be considered for coaching positions.

Davies said villages and townships in the district have expressed enthusiasm for supporting the program through donations.

Supporters of the program are currently working to create a schedule for the fall 2003 schedule.

In other business, the board:

• approved the tax levy for 2003
• heard school testing reports from Tony Ryan and Pat Collins
• heard a brief advisory council report from alum Kevin Byers
• tabled discussion of board/administrator/community roles until January or February meetings.
• approved recommendation of Joann Adams as advisory council member
• was advised by Superintendent Dean Irlbeck to post ample notice of any committee meeting that is to serve as more than in an advisory capacity for the full school board. "We've always been above board and up front in that respect, and we want to continuer to do so," Irlbeck said.
• accepted the resignation of Connie Decounter and approved formation of seventh- and eighth grade football following executive session.

The board meets next on January 15, 2003, at 6:30 p.m.