STC Football welcomes the opportunity to take part in the new class, District | News, sports, jobs

STC Sophomore, who will go back Michael Henry and the STC soccer program, will compete in a new class and a new district in the coming season 2025. News Chronik file Photo

South Tama County's football program will have a new look this autumn. On February 28, the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) released its classifications for the next two football sockets.

During the publication, STC was informed that it will now move from the competition in class 3a to class 2a, starting with the season of autumn. It was a welcome news for the director of the STC High School, Chelsea Ahrens.

“We look forward to the decision to be placed for the next two football sockets in class 2a.” she said.

Since 2023 only for football, the IHSAA has used a unique formula to decide on classification. To make this determination, you calculate both the number of school registration and the percentages of free and reduced lunch at this school. When they used this Formula in 2023 for the first time, STC was the last school that was classified in 3a above the limit for 2A.

“We estimate that those at IHSAA take a look at various options for classification of sports than just the number of children in every class.” Said Ahrens.

In the last two seasons in class 3a, the Trojans found that the competition is strong. In these two years, the Trojans were won in their district without profit.

“District 5 of class 3a was a very difficult district to be part of the last two seasons” Said Ahrens. “Williamsburg was in our district and was the state champion in 2023. Our district also included strong programs such as Solon, Benton and Grenell. We know that class 2a will also be a difficult task, we look forward to the challenge. “

STC soccer coach Nate Doran also appreciated the change.

“As a program, we look forward to moving to class 2a. This transition offers a fantastic opportunity for our program, grow and develop. “ he said.

In addition to the new classifications, the IHSAA released the district allocations of the individual classes on March 5. StC will compete in class 2a, District 7 in the next two years. Other schools that compete in this district are: Albia, Centerville, Davis County (Bloomfield), Prairie City-Monroe and Pella Christian.

The Trojans will play these five teams every year, in addition to three other games that are planned against non-distributors. Doran offered his thoughts.

“We recognize the competitiveness that awaits us in this new district and we strive to face the challenge.” he said.

While the new classification is a welcome news for the football program, Ahrens states that the same approach for all sports would be desired.

“We hope that (the IHSAA) would use their formula of factoring in free and reduced lunches in other sports.” Said Ahrens.

In the meantime, the STC soccer program will be happy with excitement of the new season in autumn.

“This season we will set up a young team at the university player level.” Said Doran. “I think this shift to 2A offers us a fresh start while we want to build the basis for our future. We are ready to compete and make a name for ourselves. “