News Summary
Coach Cory Quail’s resignation from Highland football highlights player safety issues stemming from low participation rates and increasing injuries. The school’s administration has canceled upcoming games to prioritize safety and is evaluating the future of the football program. Quail, while stepping down, remains committed to the community and aims to continue as a physical education teacher. The situation reflects broader issues facing youth sports in the region as schools deal with declining player numbers and safety concerns.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa – Coach Cory Quail has officially resigned as head coach of the Highland football team, citing player safety as the primary reason for his decision. This resignation comes amid ongoing concerns regarding low player participation rates and a growing number of injuries within the team. Quail’s announcement, made via Facebook, expresses a desire to safeguard the wellbeing of the players, which he hopes will lead the school district to consider canceling the remainder of the football season.
Based on Quail’s observations, the Highland football program currently faces significant challenges, with only 13 active players listed after a recent game resulted in a 40-7 loss against Wapello. His concerns include a specific incident where wide receivers were required to wear lineman jerseys during a game due to insufficient player numbers and safety concerns. Highland’s administration has responded by canceling the next two scheduled football games, officially citing player safety as the reason behind this decision.
Superintendent Spencer Lueders indicated that the district is conducting a thorough evaluation of the football program to ensure a safe sporting experience for all students. Lueders has emphasized the importance of student safety and noted the strength demonstrated by the players during these uncertain times. In a show of commitment to the program, several players have voluntarily taken on roles assisting with junior high practices while the Highland team grapples with these weathered challenges.
As the district considers various options moving forward, it is contemplating whether to cancel the football season altogether or to allow Highland athletes to join teams from neighboring districts. A definitive decision regarding the future of the remainder of the season is anticipated within the upcoming week. Currently, there is no interim coach in place following Quail’s departure; the existing coaching staff is expected to manage daily team operations in his absence.
Cory Quail clarified that while he is stepping down as the football coach, he is not abandoning the Highland community. He intends to continue his role as a physical education teacher and has pledged to focus on developing strength and conditioning programs for students. Quail remains dedicated to working towards ensuring that the current situation does not tarnish the reputation of Highland’s football program.
This situation at Highland is not unique, as other schools in the region, such as Siouxland Christian, have also faced similar challenges leading them to cancel their football seasons. The issues affecting these schools highlight broader concerns over player safety and the sustainability of youth sports in areas with declining participation rates.
In summary, Coach Cory Quail’s resignation has served as a catalyst for critical discussions regarding player safety in high school football, prompting the Highland school district to reevaluate its program. As the situation develops, stakeholders and the community are left to ponder the future of the football season and the well-being of all young athletes involved.
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- Google Search: High School Football Safety
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Athletics (Sport)
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- Google News: High School Football Resignation
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- The Gazette: Lewis Resigns as Kennedy Coach Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
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