Coach asks to add 7th- and 8th-grade tackle football; committee refers request to full board

Head coach Justin Leonard asked the Mineral Point Schools personnel committee on Dec. 2 to allow two middle-school tackle football teams — a 7th-grade team and an 8th-grade team — so student-athletes can learn tackle technique in a supervised environment.

Leonard outlined a proposed weekly routine (film Monday, practices Tuesday and Wednesday, games Thursday, weight training Friday) and said the Gridiron Club would supply all equipment, pay staff and provide game workers. The Gridiron Club would also purchase and require a "guardian" helmet covering for every athlete. Leonard and AD Chris Carr told the committee that surrounding districts run tackle programs and described a nine-week league schedule; committee members voiced concern about when and how tackle football should be introduced to middle-school players.

The district would be asked to provide bussing for away contests; the Gridiron Club offered alternatives such as seeking permission to use a neighboring community’s field for games if necessary. The personnel committee did not approve or deny the request at the Dec. 2 meeting and recommended the full Board of Trustees review the proposal. "Coach Leonard will present information to the full board on Monday, December 9th," the minutes state. The meeting adjourned at 7:28 p.m.