School district takes over middle school football

The Whitefish School District is taking over operation of the middle school football program.

Mac McCracken has organized the program and overseen funding since 1998. According to Whitefish Middle School principal Josh Branstetter, McCracken is looking to hand off the program and retire from his post.

“We don’t want it to go away and die on the vine,” Branstetter told the school board. “It’s been a successful program for the two decades it’s been around.”

Whitefish athletic director Aric Harris agreed, and said the program is in “great shape.”

“Mac has donated a lot of time and money,” Harris said. “I’d love to see the district take it over.”

Harris noted that Whitefish is one of the only districts in the state that doesn’t fund middle school football. Having district oversight, he said, would make it easier to monitor safety — such as concussion protocol — and provide some accountability.

“Having teachers that also coach would be a huge asset,” he added.

The school board voted May 13 to fund two middle school football coaching positions and a cross-country coach at a cost of about $6,000.

Students will have to pay $150 to play football, although the district is working to establish corporate sponsors to offset costs.

Approval of a middle school cross-country coach is an effort to balance the school’s activity offerings for both boys and girls.

“I’d like to see another sports activity offered for the girls,” trustee Dave Fern said. “In the spirit of the Ridgeway law, we should offer equal opportunity for both genders.”

It was noted that girls are allowed to play on the middle school football team.