Laurel 8th graders can step into some high school sports this fall

Eighth grade student athletes will have an opportunity to participate in Laurel High School sports with low numbers, starting in the fall.

After considerable discussion Monday night, the Laurel School Board voted to allow Laurel eighth graders to compete in boys soccer, wrestling and girls softball, starting in the 2022-23 school year. Trustee Chris Lorash said he was initially trepidatious about the decision, but understood that increased participation will allow sports with low numbers to continue.

The Laurel Athletic Director Riley Mayo will develop a policy to be put into place at the start of the new year when boys soccer is in season. One stipulation that was decided on Monday night was that in order for the eighth grade student to jump into a high school sport, the student needs the approval of the coach, the superintendent, and the parents.

Eighth graders who compete in a high school sport cannot compete in that sport at the middle school level. However, eighth graders who play a high school sport can compete in other sports at the middle school division.

In other business, the board elected Brittani Hunter the chairman and Dan Fettig the vice chair.The board meeting could not be streamed on Facebook Live due to an equipment issue.