Iola soccer parents want to see a different type of football in the fall sports line up next year. At the USD 257 board of education meeting Monday night Brek Ulrich, a leader of the Iola Soccer Club, proposed the district consider a soccer program for Iola High School. Board member Mark Burris asked Ulrich what his top reasons were for wanting the program.
Ulrich said the club has been in existence up to eight years with 100 families participating. Currently 21 Iola High School students play in the club. There would be minimal impact on other sports or activities if soccer became a school sport, Ulrich said. The club players are students who do not play other fall sports at IHS.
Jerad Larkey has agreed to coach and is working on his Kansas State High School Activities Association certification.
“There would be no Title IX issues for soccer because it can be offered as a coed sport,” Larkey said.
Larkey said the Iola Recreation Department has offered the use of the soccer fields in Davis Addition, at the southwest edge of Iola near Riverside Park, for practices and games. Allen Community College has also indicated its soccer field could be used for games when available. ACC president, John Masterson, addressed board members through a letter adding his support to the idea.
“I am well aware of the financial situation in the state and realize that this would have to be a commitment that was both financially possible and sustainable,” Masterson said in the letter. “I know that you will carefully weigh the many considerations in this decision and make a choice that is in the best interest of the district.”
Doug Desmarteau and Jeremy McGinnis, ACC soccer coaches, attended the meeting to show their support of the program as well.
“We believe we have children who are capable of playing at the college level,” Larkey said. “They need a higher level of competition.”
Martin Bambick, Iola athletic director, was asked to look into area schools that have soccer programs. Bambick found that many schools were not looking to add a program at this time.
Bambick said the games would be played on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There would be 16 games on the schedule.
Ulrich said the program would give students an opportunity to attend college.
“Coaches have showed interest in having local players continue at the college level,” Ulrich said.
Another reason is the camaraderie that comes from playing a team sport.
“These older kids are such leaders to these younger kids,” he said.
Finally, Ulrich would like to see the district be a leader in the sport.
“It’s time for us to lead the way instead of latching on,” he said. “We need to lay groundwork now. If it was here kids might transfer to play.”
The agenda item was a non-action item. Board members will look more into the possibility of the program.
Parents promote Iola soccer
