March 19, 2024

Baxter petitions state to become 8-player football program in 2017

Baxter Principal and Collins-Maxwell/Baxter football coach Rob Luther said at a recent open forum involving the Baxter School Board and community the plan for the football team moving forward is to become an 8-player program.

Luther told the Newton Daily News on Monday the future may come as early as next season.

Baxter has asked the Iowa High School Athletic Association to consider the school for 8-player in 2017.

“Our school board has already approved the move to 8-player next year if the state gives the OK,” Luther said.

Luther said a decision could be made by the IHSAA around Dec. 1.

There are currently three 8-player districts with only seven teams. The other five districts have eight teams. Baxter is hopeful it can be approved by the state to play in either District 3 or District 4, but District 2 also has seven schools.

If Baxter cannot move to 8-player next season, there are a few other options. It can play its current Class 2A schedule with about 18-20 players to start with or it can join a 3A or 4A program for one year.

The school will become an 8-player program for sure starting in 2018.

Luther also gave an update on the future of the rest of the athletics at Baxter. The school has been approved for inclusion into the Iowa Star Conference.

“We have not accepted that invitation yet,” Luther said. “We are still waiting to hear back from the South Iowa Cedar League.”

In other athletic news, Zach Hasselbrink has been named the new CMB boys basketball coach. He will assume that role at Baxter when the two schools split after this season.

The school board also approved the hiring of Max Seeman as an assistant boys basketball coach.