Des Moines, September 19, 2025
News Summary
This fall, seven high schools in Iowa have canceled or paused their varsity football seasons due to low player participation and safety issues. Teams from Lone Tree, Rockford, Dunkerton, and Siouxland Christian have either canceled their seasons or are assessing conditions for possible resumption. Remsen-St. Mary’s, Highland, and Mormon Trail have paused play while addressing player numbers. Safety concerns and declining interest are significant driving factors, with the situation at Des Moines Hoover High School resulting in the decision not to field a team for the upcoming season.
Des Moines – The varsity football seasons for seven high schools in Iowa have been canceled or paused this fall due to low participation and safety concerns. The schools impacted by these decisions include Lone Tree, Rockford, Dunkerton, Siouxland Christian, Remsen-St. Mary’s, Highland (Riverside), and Mormon Trail.
Lone Tree, Rockford, and Dunkerton chose to cancel their seasons before any games were played. Siouxland Christian ended its season shortly after participating in one game, where they faced a staggering halftime deficit of 60-0. Meanwhile, the reigning eight-player champion, Remsen-St. Mary’s, along with Highland and Mormon Trail, has paused their seasons but may consider resuming play later in the fall.
The primary reasons behind these cancellations and pauses revolve around dwindling player participation numbers and growing safety concerns. Siouxland Christian, for instance, could only muster a roster of 16 players, a situation that ultimately led to the cancellation of their season. Concerns raised over the health and well-being of student-athletes were highlighted by officials in the district.
Siouxland Christian’s football program has struggled in previous seasons, recording a 1-8 finish in both of the last two years. Moreover, Remsen-St. Mary’s, which started the season with just 17 players—three of whom were upperclassmen—faced substantial challenges. Following graduation losses of 10 seniors and consecutive injuries, the team had to forfeit two of its first four games, leaving them with only 11 players available for their most recent matchup.
Highland’s situation escalated to the point where coach Cory Quail resigned to advocate for the cancellation of their season, as the team was down to only 13 healthy players. Remsen-St. Mary’s has initiated efforts to assess their player numbers with hopes of possibly resuming games by a set date.
In another development, Des Moines Hoover High School announced it would not field a football team for the upcoming 2025 season due to similar concerns regarding low participation. Students from Hoover will be permitted to join the Des Moines Roosevelt football program. The decision considered both safety and declining interest levels within the Hoover program, which has struggled recently, going without a win over their last two seasons and suffering from significant average loss margins.
Head coach Theo Evans has decided to transition to an assistant coaching role with the Dallas Center-Grimes coaching staff, marking a significant change for the Hoover football program.
Understanding the Challenges
The trend among these schools illustrates the ongoing challenges facing high school sports, particularly football, where student interest and safety are increasingly pressing issues. These changes signal a growing need for innovative solutions to foster participation in high school sports, ensuring that student-athletes’ health remains the top priority.
Key Takeaways
- Seven Iowa high schools have canceled or paused their football seasons this fall.
- Low participation and safety concerns are the primary reasons for these decisions.
- Siouxland Christian canceled its season after playing one game.
- Remsen-St. Mary’s, Highland, and Mormon Trail have paused their seasons but may resume play later.
- Des Moines Hoover High School will not field a team for the 2025 season.
FAQ
Why were the football seasons canceled or paused for these Iowa high schools?
The seasons were canceled or paused primarily due to low player participation numbers and safety concerns regarding the health and well-being of student-athletes.
Which schools were affected by these decisions?
The schools affected include Lone Tree, Rockford, Dunkerton, Siouxland Christian, Remsen-St. Mary’s, Highland (Riverside), and Mormon Trail.
What measures are being taken by Remsen-St. Mary’s?
Remsen-St. Mary’s is assessing their player numbers in hopes of possibly resuming games later in the fall.
What other high school’s football program is facing changes?
Des Moines Hoover High School will not field a football team for the upcoming 2025 season.
Summary Chart
| School | Status | Participation Issues | Coach Situation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lone Tree | Season Canceled | Low Participation | N/A |
| Rockford | Season Canceled | Low Participation | N/A |
| Dunkerton | Season Canceled | Low Participation | N/A |
| Siouxland Christian | Season Canceled | 16 Players | N/A |
| Remsen-St. Mary’s | Season Paused | 17 Players, Injuries | Coach Resigned, Assessment Ongoing |
| Highland | Season Paused | 13 Healthy Players | Coach Resigned |
| Mormon Trail | Season Paused | Low Participation | N/A |
| Des Moines Hoover | Not Fielding Team | Low Participation | Coach Transitioning |
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Additional Resources
- KCRG: Iowa High School Football Programs Canceled or Paused
- KCCI: Seven Iowa High Schools Cancel or Pause Varsity Season
- WHO13: Hoover High School Explores New Opportunities
- Wikipedia: High School Football in the United States
- Google Search: Iowa High School Football Participation Levels
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