The new South Orange-Maplewood middle school boys football team marked a milestone last week when it kicked off its first game of its first season — and the start of a 7th-8th grade feeder team program for Columbia High School football.
In a letter to families this week Superintendent of Schools Jason Bing said the feeder program is building “athletic continuity and district-wide pride.”
“While the final score may not have been in our favor, what stood out most was the incredible spirit of play, teamwork and community that filled the field and the stands,” Bing wrote. “Our students showed up with determination, enthusiasm and pride, and they were surrounded by coaches, families, classmates and community members who came out to support them.”
At the September Board of Education meeting on Thursday, Board President Will Meyer said the season was off to a great start and answered questions he’d seen online about the football program — questions that the board’s Student & Family Affairs Committee also asked the District — including, ‘Why tackle football?’ And ‘Why is this the first sport that we’re doing?’”
“The answer that was given is, No. 1, this is a very popular program in the high school — in our high school and in all the other high schools,” Meyer said. “Just in terms of ticket sales, which go toward the activity fees that fund many other programs, we get by far the most money from our high school varsity football games. And tackle football is also the one place where we don’t have any feeder in town before high school.”
The cost of the program came in lower than the district expected, Meyer told the board, costing approximately $15,000. The program, which is pay-to-play, costs $250 per athlete (hardship waivers are available, but none were requested this year, he said). So the program is bringing in $6,500 from the students.
There was the initial investment of helmets, he said, which the committee was told are the most supportive helmets to address CTE safety concerns.
“So over the course of, perhaps three years, those [helmets] should essentially be paid off, and the program would pay for itself,” he said.
Meyer also explained the reason there is no flag football team for boys, saying, “apparently there is not demand, a league or a set of teams ready to play. It was a concern raised by members of the committee, however, that with the research and discussion around CTE, tackle football is losing its sheen among some folks.”
He also addressed concerns about why there are no girls sports this fall and said that girls flag football is expected to be introduced this spring, at a cost of $200 per athlete, which is less than than tackle football because equipment fees are lower.
Other middle school sports are coming, he said, and next year the district will be adding basketball.
In his letter to families, Bing gave a shout out to the players and every one who has helped celebrate the milestone season.
“To our players: we see your hard work, we celebrate your effort, and we are so proud of you. Keep showing up, keep supporting one another, and keep playing with heart,” Bing said. “Thank you to our coaches, principals, teachers, families, staff, and community members for helping make this such a special moment for our students.”
The middle school team meets with coaches at the first game of the first season. (Photo taken by Columbia High School Student Felix Stone)
The middle school team kicked off their first season this week. (Photos taken by Columbia High School Student Felix Stone)
