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Emporia athletic staff recommend scheduling with larger 5A schools to stabilize football program

Emporia Board of Education · January 15, 2026
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Summary

Athletic staff briefed the board on a non-action update proposing Emporia's football program schedule more 5A opponents to improve competitive balance and roster safety; presenter cited roster sizes (58 players this year) and enrollment disparities (e.g., Manhattan ~140 out for football).

Athletic staff presented an informational update to the Emporia Board of Education outlining a proposed shift in football scheduling to play larger (5A) schools that better match Emporia's competitive needs.

Bo/Beau Welch described a multi-year decline in enrollment and participation that leaves the district's roster thin: "We had 58 kids out for football this year," he said, and noted that some opponents have rosters more than twice that size. Welch and other athletic leaders said playing more 5A schools would provide flexible scheduling and could reduce mismatches that force freshman into varsity play, increasing injury risk.

Presenters reviewed competitive history (last win against a current league opponent cited in 2019) and said league realignment discussions among regional athletic directors supported the move. Board members asked whether other sports were stable; Welch said soccer, basketball and baseball programs are performing well and that football presents unique roster and safety challenges.

The item was informational; the board did not vote on league alignment at this meeting. Administrators said they would continue discussions with league partners and return with any action items if needed.