JUDA - With the Albany softball program in jeopardy, district officials here have contacted Juda about exploring a softball co-op for the 2011-12, 2012-13 school years.
Albany has 10 players on the softball team this year, but Athletic Director Tom Berg said there would be less than nine next year.
"It's about numbers," Berg said. "Our numbers are so low we can't field a team. There needs to be something done for the Albany girls to be able to play softball."
The Juda School Board discussed the co-op at their meeting on Wednesday night. The board considered amending the agenda to approve the co-op, but several board members wanted to study the co-op plan before making a final decision in May.
But Juda Athletic Director Phil Trotter updated the board on the co-op proposal and the potential timeline.
In order for the co-op to be set for the 2012 and 2013 softball seasons, both the Juda and Albany school boards must approve the co-op. The co-op would also have to be approved by the Six Rivers East Conference and by the WIAA by June 1.
"We are in the initial stages," Trotter said. "I think it would be a win-win situation without a lot of money changing hands. I don't see where it would cost us any money to allow the Albany girls to come here and play."
The co-op agreement would have to be adopted by both schools, but Trotter said the softball practices and games would be in Juda. Albany players would have to commute to Juda for practices and games. Both school districts also could opt to play a game in Albany.
Albany has an enrollment of 122 and Juda's enrollment is 90. Trotter said it's unknown whether the combined enrollment under the co-op (212) would be enough to bump a potential Juda-Albany team up a division.
"They came to us because they know our program is good and because Billy (Davis) is a great coach," Trotter said.
Trotter said Juda is projecting to have 16 girls out for softball next year.
Berg said another advantage of setting up a co-op is having the ability to field a complete junior varsity team in addition to the varsity team.
Albany has 10 players on the softball team this year, but Athletic Director Tom Berg said there would be less than nine next year.
"It's about numbers," Berg said. "Our numbers are so low we can't field a team. There needs to be something done for the Albany girls to be able to play softball."
The Juda School Board discussed the co-op at their meeting on Wednesday night. The board considered amending the agenda to approve the co-op, but several board members wanted to study the co-op plan before making a final decision in May.
But Juda Athletic Director Phil Trotter updated the board on the co-op proposal and the potential timeline.
In order for the co-op to be set for the 2012 and 2013 softball seasons, both the Juda and Albany school boards must approve the co-op. The co-op would also have to be approved by the Six Rivers East Conference and by the WIAA by June 1.
"We are in the initial stages," Trotter said. "I think it would be a win-win situation without a lot of money changing hands. I don't see where it would cost us any money to allow the Albany girls to come here and play."
The co-op agreement would have to be adopted by both schools, but Trotter said the softball practices and games would be in Juda. Albany players would have to commute to Juda for practices and games. Both school districts also could opt to play a game in Albany.
Albany has an enrollment of 122 and Juda's enrollment is 90. Trotter said it's unknown whether the combined enrollment under the co-op (212) would be enough to bump a potential Juda-Albany team up a division.
"They came to us because they know our program is good and because Billy (Davis) is a great coach," Trotter said.
Trotter said Juda is projecting to have 16 girls out for softball next year.
Berg said another advantage of setting up a co-op is having the ability to field a complete junior varsity team in addition to the varsity team.
