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River Falls highlights fall athletics, state champion marching band and student activities
Summary
School staff and students briefed the board on fall sports results, marching band success, theater production and participation figures; administrators said overall fall athletic participation was 311 and the district continues work to boost activity participation.
River Falls High School coaches and student representatives briefed the Board of Education on fall athletics, performing arts and other student activities, highlighting team results, student participation and upcoming issues.
Athletics and activities recap Athletics director Dave Bridal told the board soccer had a strong season and that the team included 41 athletes. He described the football program's rising participation and said conference realignment continues to affect scheduling. "We made a conscious change to go away from tackle, and to invest more into the flag football," Bridal said, describing growth at the youth level that he said feeds high-school participation.
Bridal reported 311 student athletes participated in fall athletic programs districtwide; the district is tracking winter participation at about 181 as of the meeting, with 24 of those winter participants new to athletics this season. He told the board the district's participation goal is to have 82% of students involved in at least one activity across the year and said administration will continue work to gauge progress.
Performing arts and student reports The marching band won the state championship again this year, administrators said. Students also highlighted the high school musical production (SpongeBob) and the opportunities those programs provide. Senior Genevieve Kerr spoke about marching band and said the long practices build community; Genevieve said she plays in the front ensemble and plays the marimba.
Student-athlete highlights and community work Senior volleyball player Maddie Ranch, a four-year varsity player who will attend Southwest Minnesota State on a volleyball scholarship, said the team finished about 33-10 this season and that a Dig Pink fundraiser against Hudson combined competitive intensity with community support. "One of my favorite highlights from our season was our Dig Pink match against Hudson," she said.
Other notes Bridal thanked school and community partners (including the River Falls Golf Course and university facilities used by tennis) and said the tennis players showed flexibility while the district worked on court improvements. The district also reported that social media outreach helped recruit a cheer coach this year; the newly hired coach enabled 22 students to participate on the cheer team.
