The Challenges Faced by Nebraska’s High School Football Programs
A Podium for the Struggling Cougars
This season, the Walthill Cougars etched their name in the record books with a lone victory, officially sealing their fate at 1-0. However, the reality of their situation tells a much more complex story. With a staggering 86% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch — well above the state average of 52% — economic challenges loom large over the team’s performance and overall participation in athletics.
Socioeconomic Influences on Participation
Greg Mays, the author of the Nebraska high school sports history newsletter Suiting Up Varsity, has extensively researched the factors affecting success in school activities. He asserts that schools grappling with high poverty levels often struggle to attain competitive success. "Schools with high free and reduced lunch populations are not going to have the kind of success as schools that don’t," he pointedly stated.
Walthill’s experience is not an isolated incident. Similarly, Tekamah-Herman recently found itself forfeiting games due to dwindling player participation linked to economic hardships. Superintendent Brad Kjar explained that demographic challenges pose significant hurdles for schools to maintain competitive teams.
The Ripple Effects of Declining Numbers
The repercussions of economic challenges extend beyond a single team. In fact, the NSAA data reveals a troubling trend among various classifications: multiple forfeited games across different classes, particularly in Class C2 and D2. With a rising occurrence of game cancellations driven largely by health and safety concerns—stemming from inadequate player rosters—many teams are caught in a downward spiral.
Several prominent programs, including Oakland-Craig, felt compelled to bow out of playing altogether, despite their illustrious histories. Fans and players alike were left bewildered and disheartened by the abrupt end to their season before it even began.
Institutional Challenges and Scheduling Dilemmas
One glaring issue is the rigidity in scheduling for high school football. “We set those deadlines so far in advance that you’re guessing,” Mays asserted, emphasizing how difficult it is for small schools to predict participation rates two years ahead of time. These arbitrary timelines often mean that schools are trapped in classifications that do not reflect their present circumstances.
The NSAA’s approach, which has historically focused on maintaining competitive schedules, may have inadvertently exacerbated the participation crisis. As Mays noted, “If we considered economic factors along with enrollment, we’d have better classifications.”
The Impact on Long-Standing Programs
David City Aquinas, another distinguished program, is also feeling the brunt of declining enrollment. Despite having earned numerous state championships, the school has suffered from a fallout in student admissions and a broader demographic decline in Nebraska. As head coach Ron Mimick observed, “We’ve lost basically about a third of our enrollment in 25 years.”
Transitioning to eight-man football is one potential solution for these programs. Mimick speculated that moving to this format could revive interest and participation, as fewer players may feel overwhelmed by competing in larger, more demanding teams.
Modern Distractions and Changing Priorities
Participation rates in football continue to dwindle across the board. With the rise of social media, video games, and an increasing number of extracurricular activities, many young people are opting out of traditional sports. Mays highlighted that although this diversification provides students with more options, it also inherently spreads participation thinner across various activities.
Neuhaus pointed out that changing priorities among youth can’t be overlooked. “Participating in sports isn’t always the number one priority anymore,” he remarked, reinforcing the broader cultural shifts affecting high school athletics.
The Future of Nebraska Football
The future of high school football in Nebraska is precarious, with continued cancellations and declining participation rates casting a shadow over the season. Efforts are being made to promote competitiveness among Class A teams, including proposals aimed at reshaping district assignments. However, these adjustments may not solve the underlying issues faced by less affluent schools struggling to field teams.
As the NSAA’s assistant director of football, Nate Neuhaus, remarked, creating solutions that address the unique challenges of each community requires a nuanced approach. “You can’t make anybody play unfortunately, but we can assist in making good decisions,” he noted, underscoring the necessity for flexibility in these discussions.
The Heart of Community and Parental Involvement
In the face of these challenges, many parents like Kerry Wickersham emphasize the importance of supporting their children and schools, regardless of the outcome on the field. “Even if you’re playing second string, it’s still important to show up,” she articulated.
Her message resonates deeply in a climate where participation can lead to greater success, not only in sports but also academically. As community support and active involvement are crucial, the hope remains that in coming seasons, programs can turn the tide and inspire students to embrace sports once more.
