SOCSD Questions Sedona’s Readiness for High School Football Excitement

During the Sedona-Oak Creek School District’s board meeting on December 3, Superintendent Tom Swaninger, Ph.D., revealed discussions about potentially reinstating the school’s tackle football program. The idea comes in response to strong interest from students and community members alike.

Swaninger expressed enthusiasm for the initiative. “Our kids and our community have expressed interest in it,” he stated. He emphasized that the primary goal is not championship victories but rather providing students access to a beloved sport. “I think we’ll have a lot of families show up, and I think we’ll have good participation in the stands and hopefully on the field,” he added.

To assess interest levels, the district has distributed surveys to students. Physical education teacher Sean Eicher, who also coaches track and field, met with prospective football players on December 11, indicating positive feedback based on both surveys and direct interest from athletes he coaches.

Eicher plans to join the coaching staff if the program is revived. Prior to this, the Scorpion football program was canceled in May 2020 due to a lack of participation and financial concerns. According to Swaninger, initial costs to reestablish the program could range from $30,000 to $50,000, exclusive of ongoing annual expenses.

The district is considering two frameworks for the program’s revival: an eight-man football format or joining the Arizona Interscholastic Association as a 1A school. Swaninger noted that the latter would entail longer travel distances due to the spread of smaller schools across the state. An independent petition could allow for more flexibility in scheduling opponents, though it would prevent participation in playoffs during the initial phase. “I don’t anticipate us getting anywhere close to the playoffs, at least to begin with,” he remarked.

A decision regarding the program’s future is anticipated in the first quarter of 2025, providing ample time for planning should the district opt to move forward. Swaninger highlighted the need for community interest, parental support, financial backing, and proper staffing to ensure the program’s viability long-term. “What we don’t want to do is invest $50,000 to get this up and running and then have to cancel it again,” he cautioned.