Athletic Combine future in spotlight

DAYTON–The past, present and future of the Dayton-Waitsburg Athletic Combine (DW) was examined and explored by Dayton School Directors and school patrons in attendance, with recommendations by Athletic Director Sam Korslund presented and taken under advisement at the board’s meeting May 18. No decisions were made.

The combined program started with football in 2016 and expanded to include all sports in middle and high schools, and was in place when Korslund moved to Dayton four years ago.

Korslund has been shepherding the program as athletic director and presented “An Objective View of the Dayton-Waitsburg Athletic Combine,” to directors.

“I have been involved in the Combine as a fan, parent, volunteer coach, paid coach, and now as the Athletic Director,” Korslund said. “I have spent time inside both Districts in my current role, worked with both School Boards, both Administrations, all our coaches and athletes.”

The Combine “was ill-conceived” from the start because logistical issues were not worked out, Korslund concluded, after reading through the historical minutes for the combine.

To address some of those issues, Korslund created “a combined Athletic Code, streamlined registration procedures, implemented secure medical releases for athletes instead of loose paper copies going on road trips, created a defined facility-use plan, improved facilities, planned for strength training in the curriculum in at least one school, improved communication, implemented advance scheduling, created a twenty-four-seven fan store, and now, this season, put into effect a defined coach review process.”

He is asking for the two school boards and administrations to meet jointly and develop a budget, a transportation plan, a unified disciplinary process for athletes, as well address the division between the schools, and the lack of school spirit and community support.

He also expressed concern about losing young athletes at sixth grade when there are too many seventh and eighth graders for them to play. “I was going to recommend we split for Middle School,” he said. But he then relayed the Waitsburg Board sent a message of their position that all the athletics for grades 6-12 are either fully combined or there will be no combine.

Board Chair Jeff McCowen said “I agree with the things that Sam has said.” He also acknowledged the problem of not having a budget for the combine. He added that he has had mixed feelings about the combine that can vacillate but has always thought that the combine would end up having too many players. He also said that the lack of athletes currently in the secondary schools is reflective of the failure to previously offer a strong community athletic program.

Public comments were then heard including from some of the Waitsburg School Board. Chairperson Christy House clarified the Waitsburg Board’s position that they are “all in” to combine for athletics in sixth through twelfth grades.

Dayton School Board Director Zac Fabian asked how to address the issue of too many kids which prevents some from playing. House answered that was one of the main topics at a recent meeting of Dayton and Waitsburg representatives, but she provided no answers.

Waitsburg Vice Chair Sarah Boudrieau said they want to fix issues with the combine and suggested having A and B teams to allow all players to be included. She spoke of the success of the combine, specifically citing the recent award to the Wolfpack as “most inspirational for their league–most school spirit” and that the “middle school boys’ baseball team won again tonight, and they remain undefeated because they are combined.” She also confirmed with the Waitsburg District Business Manager that the schools are splitting the costs of the combine.

Most people who commented were in favor of the sixth grade remaining combined. However, one community member thought that having the sixth-grade split should not be an issue since many larger middle schools compete against each other before all attending the same high school where they are on one team. Another community member said that if there are community sports for sixth graders, they do not need to play in school sports.

Many commented in support of the combine, including several students who shared about the friends and teammates they have gained. Others voiced support because it increases the players for teams, schools can share resources, and the investment of time or money in its formation. It was pointed out by one attendee that some of the issues would still exist if the combine was dissolved. Others voiced confidence that the issues can be addressed. One person said they need to better invest in the teams becoming the Wolfpack and the mascot should be represented on the field and in the gyms when the teams are playing home games. Others said that players of all ages should have Wolfpack uniforms.

Dayton Director Fabian suggested the schools consider foregoing their own mascots for the combine Wolfpack. Community member Jennie Dickinson went a step further and suggested that with declining enrollment, the schools move towards a full combine.

In contrast, Dayton alum Jeremy Trump voiced that the schools should retain their mascots as they have been while also being the Wolfpack.

Dayton Director Aneesha Dieu thought that though the schools have been doing this, the combine has caused confusion and an “identity crisis” for players. She also emphasized the projection that the number of school athletes will grow because of substantial numbers of elementary school players turning out for community sports. She added that the Dayton and Waitsburg players are on separate teams and are competing against each other from an early age.

One commenter argued that it is only speculation that school teams will grow later because of the numbers in community athletics now.

Korslund said that everyone is responsible for the issues the combine is facing. He offered the suggestion that the team go from being called the DW Wolfpack to the Touchet River Wolfpack. He said the change of name would represent a change of focus on what connects the teams just as the river connects the two communities.

The board approved the proposed curriculum after Chief Development Officer for Character Strong, Dr. Clay Cook provided information. He stated the program starts with professional training for staff to work towards common goals for modeling behavior for and working with the students for their success.

During public comments for this agenda item, Roy Ramirez questioned whether the curriculum has been presented to the staff so they would have the opportunity to learn about it and provide feedback before adopting it.

Superintendent Guy Strot assured him the school principals held staff meetings about it and the district solicited comments. Only three were received and only one that was a critical comment.

Elementary Principal Amy Cox affirmed the curriculum in saying that it is valuable for the district especially with working through some the current issues and in providing a uniform approach to the students. The Board voted unanimously to adopt the curriculum.

McKinstry also provided an update on the grant process through OSPI for capital improvements and suggested the district applies for $5 million. They provided a list of the priority projects to “address needs for the next 20 years, reduce energy and operation costs and maximize the use of grant and stimulus funds.” The Board decided to review the recommendations and plan to decide on how to proceed at the next meeting on June 1. They also agreed to postpone the other scheduled May 18 agenda items.

The Board approved the consent agenda which included the hire of two new elementary teachers, Angela Kenney, and Amanda Wade. They also approved the retirement of long-time high school science teacher Doug Yenney.