News Summary
Cory Quail has resigned as the head coach of Highland football, citing serious concerns for player safety amid low participation and increased injuries. His resignation highlights the urgent need for the Highland Community School District to prioritize student well-being, prompting discussions about canceling the football season. As the district evaluates options, including possible collaborations with other schools, players and officials face a pivotal moment in determining the future of the program. Quail remains committed to serving as a physical education teacher while supporting the students through this challenging period.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa – Highland Football Coach Resigns, Calls for Suspension of Season Due to Player Safety Concerns
Coach Cory Quail has officially resigned as head coach of the Highland football team in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, expressing deep concerns for player safety as the primary reason for his departure. Quail’s resignation, made public through his Facebook account, is a call to action for the Highland Community School District to cancel the remaining football season.
In his statement, Quail highlighted alarming issues such as low participation numbers and an uptick in injuries among players. His resignation is intended to underscore the critical need for the district to prioritize the well-being of the students. A notable incident mentioned by Quail included a game where receivers had to don lineman jerseys due to a shortage of players, illustrating the dire circumstances facing the team.
Following Quail’s resignation, Highland has already canceled its next two scheduled games, with player safety at the forefront of this decision. Superintendent Spencer Lueders has acknowledged the district’s responsibility to evaluate the football program, ensuring a safe experience for all participating students. In support of the players during this challenging time, several athletes have volunteered to assist with junior high practices during the hiatus in games.
The situation remains fluid as the district is exploring various options, which could include canceling the entire football season or allowing Highland players to join another district’s football team for the remainder of the year. A conclusive decision regarding the future of the season is anticipated next week. Currently, the Highland football program is facing a significant challenge with only 13 active players remaining after a tough loss to Wapello with a score of 40-7.
There is currently no interim coach in place following Quail’s resignation. The existing coaching staff will continue to manage daily operations to support the players as much as possible during this transitional period. Despite stepping down as the head coach, Quail clarified that he will remain committed to Highland as a physical education teacher and will focus on strength and conditioning programs for students, showcasing his dedication beyond football.
Quail has emphasized that his decision should not be seen as abandoning the Highland football program. Instead, he is committed to making sure that this unfortunate incident does not tarnish the reputation or legacy of the school’s athletic pursuits.
Highland is not alone in facing these challenges; similar issues have led nearby schools like Siouxland Christian to cancel their entire football season due to concerns about player safety and participation. The broader context of these developments highlights a growing awareness and prioritization of student safety across athletic programs.
The Highland football community, including players, parents, and school officials, now face a pivotal moment in deciding the future of the football program. The emphasis on safety and wellbeing will likely influence the direction and policies of the district moving forward, as they navigate the balance between competition and the health of the student-athletes.
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Additional Resources
- The Gazette: Tim Lovell Steps Down as Linn-Mar Football Coach
- Wikipedia: High School Football
- The Gazette: Jeff Gordon Steps Down as Iowa City Liberty Football Coach
- Google Search: High School Football Safety
- The Gazette: Ryan Luehrsmann Resigns as Head Boys Basketball Coach at Cedar Rapids Xavier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Athletics (Sport)
- The Gazette: Kent Allison Steps Down as Football Coach at Lisbon
- Google News: High School Football Resignation
- The Gazette: Morrissey Leaving Prairie for Arizona
- Google Scholar: High School Athlete Safety
- The Gazette: Lewis Resigns as Kennedy Coach Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
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