News Summary

The Highland High School football program is facing a potential season suspension after head coach Cory Quail resigned due to safety concerns, citing low participation numbers and a rise in player injuries. Following his resignation, the district canceled the next two games to prioritize player safety. The community is grappling with the implications of lost games while looking for ways to ensure the safety and viability of the football program moving forward.

Highland High School Football Faces Season Suspension After Coach Resignation

The small but spirited community of Highland in eastern Iowa is currently grappling with a significant shake-up in their high school football program. In a move that has both surprised and concerned many, the head coach of the Highland football team has stepped down, stirring discussions about player safety and the future of the season.

Coach Cory Quail Takes a Stand for Safety

On Wednesday night, after much contemplation, Coach Cory Quail announced his resignation through a heartfelt Facebook post. Coaches often face tough choices, but this one hits home for many as it centers around the health and safety of the athletes. Coach Quail expressed his serious worries about the low participation numbers and a troubling rise in injuries among the players. With only 21 players currently on the roster—just 13 of whom are healthy enough to take the field—he felt it was time to act decisively.

In a pressing situation during a recent game, the Highland team had to adapt dramatically, with receivers forced to fill in for injured linemen. This kind of improvisation signifies greater issues in depth and player safety, leading Quail to take steps he believes will signal to the school the urgency for action.

Cancellation of Upcoming Games

The Highland football team has not had the best start to the season, losing their first two games with scores of 13-0 against Martensdale-St. Mary’s and 40-7 against Wapello. Following Coach Quail’s resignation, the school district has decided to cancel the next two scheduled games, which were set to include a homecoming showdown against New London and another match against Pekin. This decision prioritizes the safety of the players, which is a commendable call, though disappointing for fans and supporters.

The Path Forward for Highland

Superintendent Spencer Lueders reported that the school district will spend the next two weeks examining the safety and viability of potentially continuing the football season. In the meantime, Highland lacks an interim coach and is relying on existing staff to manage daily operations. Coach Quail, showing his commitment to the school, plans to remain as a physical education teacher and will continue to be involved with strength and conditioning programs.

Despite the cancellation of games, the spirit of Highland football remains intact. Several players have stepped up to assist with junior high practices, demonstrating their strong commitment to the sport and the community. Even amid these challenging developments, it’s heartening to see the next generation of players stepping up.

Community Reactions and Future Considerations

Reactions from the community have been a mix of disappointment and understanding. While many feel let down by the suspension of games, there is a shared sense of relief knowing that student safety is the priority. Highland is not alone in facing these challenges; another local team, Siouxland Christian, also canceled its football season over similar player safety issues.

The implications of canceling games stretch beyond just the scoreboard. The Highland football community has been feeling the weight of lost fundraising opportunities and the impact on school spirit events. The district is actively considering options moving forward. One potential solution could involve merging players with another district’s team, as long as it aligns with safety protocols.

A Look Back at Coach Quail’s Tenure

As the Highland football program navigates this tumultuous time, it’s worth noting Coach Quail had a record of 6-18 during his three seasons at the helm. While the results on the field may not have been stellar, his dedication to his players and their safety is being recognized by the community.

In the face of hardship, Highland remains a tight-knit community, eager to find solutions that keep the safety of its students as the number one priority. With the season’s future hanging in the balance, time will tell how things unfold.

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