The South Dakota High School Activities Association voted against a football co-op between Freeman and Canistota on Thursday during a special meeting. Had the co-op been approved, both Canistota and Freeman would have jumped to the 9AA class. Even though Canistota did NOT want to move up a class, their 'Average Daily Membership' number under a co-op with Freeman would have exceeded the terms of the 9A class.
Highmore-Harrold also requested a co-op earlier this month (with Miller) through the SDHSAA. That request was granted, which left Freeman optimistic about their future. However, it was the class jump that ultimately played a role in the decision.
From 1996-1999 Freeman was a dynasty for 9-man football in South Dakota, winning four straight 9A state championships. Today, Freeman no longer has a football team. These types of changes have left many people questioning the overall status of 9-man football in the state.
South Dakota Public Broadcasting radio reporter Gary Ellenbolt hit the road this week to examine that very status. Click here to see what he found...
