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Richfield athletics and activities report shows steady program growth, new teams and student leadership events
Summary
District athletics staff reported small overall gains in participation across seasons, highlighted a fourth boys soccer team, a first boys volleyball team and new girls flag football intramural, and previewed a student-led Morgan’s Message conference and booster-group work.
District athletics and activities staff briefed the Richfield School Board on March 3 about participation trends, program highlights and upcoming events for spring 2025.
Staff said participation in fall and winter sports showed modest overall gains over the last three years, with a notable increase in boys soccer that added a fourth team and roughly 12 more players. Boys swimming and diving recorded steady growth and recently competed in section meets, staff said. The board was told two student athletes qualified for state-level competition in girls swimming and cross country; those students were previously recognized by the board.
Activity participation overall showed a small decline compared with the previous year but remains above participation from two years ago. Among the extracurricular highlights, two Richfield seniors, Jonas Taylor and Josie Epler, were named the school’s regional winners for the Minnesota State High School League’s AAA award (academics, arts and athletics); district staff said both received regional recognition though neither advanced to the state finals.
The district will field its first boys varsity volleyball team this spring; the team’s inaugural full match is scheduled for March 17 against Brooklyn Center. Girls flag football will run as an after‑school intramural program to allow athletes to try a new activity while preserving spring‑sport commitments; the district noted jerseys were donated by the Minnesota Vikings. Staff said some intramurals continue to be scheduled outside WIN Time to accommodate athletes who wish to play multiple sports.
Staff also described an April 11 student-led leadership event organized by the school’s Morgan’s Message group, intended to bring a national speaker to the Tri-Metro Conference and to encourage Morgan’s Message chapters at other schools. Morgan’s Message is a student-focused national organization promoting mental-health awareness, and the event is timed to build momentum for Mental Health Awareness Month (May).
District staff said parents have been organizing an umbrella booster group to support district athletics and activities. Volunteers have completed early bylaw work and are consulting on tax and legal questions; staff described the effort as active but technically complex.
Board members asked about how the district showcases student achievements; staff said accomplishments appear in student announcements, the district newsletter and social media, and that they use board recognition to highlight notable achievements. The board did not take action; the item was informational.
