The Sullivan Okaw Valley Co-op Football Agreement is over. The two schools both sent out separate press releases discussing the agreement and what happened with the relationships. Brooks Inman, Student Services and Activities Coordinator for Okaw Valley says that the school was notified that Sullivan would not be renewing the agreement moving into the next school year. This comes after Okaw Valley had wanted clarification on the relationship so they could begin prepping for fall football activities.
Sullivan’s Superintendent Dr. Ted Walk released a press release saying that they are very appreciative of the football co-op but that Okaw Valley has failed to meet the participation requirements of the agreement. Walk says that since 2015, the Sullivan-Okaw Valley Football Cooperative Agreements have stated that Okaw Valley will encourage and help secure at least 15% of the male population from Okaw Valley to participate in the football program, and that Okaw Valley wouldn’t add any male high school sport that would jeopardize participation in the football program. Walk says from 2007-2017 this wasn’t an issue, After 2018, Sullivan School District says that only six Okaw Valley students participated in football. Sullivan says they tried to focus on ways to increase participation including a football game to be played at Okaw Valley to coincide with homecoming.
Dr. Walk says Sullivan expressed concerns about participation for years and after looking at the numbers coming into this year says they can not recommend renewal. Sullivan School District hopes to continue the co-op agreement for cross country and swimming.
Okaw Valley says they are disappointed in the decision to sever ties after having a 20+ year relationship. They say they will move forward in search of an equal opportunity for student athletes.
