Merrill board tables decision on boys hockey co‑op after student plea and extended debate
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Summary
After a student urged the board not to renew the WIAA boys hockey co‑op, Merrill Area School District trustees debated roster numbers, safety and long‑term sustainability and voted to table a decision until the January committee and Jan. 7 board meeting.
The Merrill Area School District Board of Education on Dec. 17, 2025, voted to table a decision on renewing the 2026 WIAA boys ice hockey co‑op that currently pairs Merrill with Wausau East and Wausau Newman Catholic, after public comment from a student and extended discussion over future participation and program viability.
A student who identified himself as Ryker Remington urged the board "do not approve the co op for the boys hockey team," saying Merrill players now make up the bulk of the roster and offering participation counts: "We have 4 players from East out of the varsity out of 19" and "11 players from East out of the 33 out of the whole team." Remington said a Merrill‑only program would reduce travel, increase local support and better sustain youth interest.
Board members and staff questioned whether Merrill can sustain a standalone program beyond the current senior class, citing enrollment projections, the need for a junior varsity to develop younger players and safety concerns when many freshmen skate against seniors. Staff described conference alignment and open‑enrollment rules that would affect where students can play; board members asked for additional data on numbers and competitive balance before making a final decision.
Rather than decide, a board member moved to table the item to give committees time to gather information; Amber Derizo seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote. Board members directed staff and committee chairs to assemble participation figures and other relevant data for discussion at the CTP committee and the regular board meeting on Jan. 7, 2026.
The deferral leaves the co‑op in place for the near term while the district collects enrollment projections, conference options and safety and travel implications for a potential Merrill‑only program. The board noted a February deadline for co‑op registration timelines, which prompted requests that staff provide the requested material promptly.