DW Combine survey results show community support

WAITSBURG-Results from a community survey sent to the public by the Waitsburg School Board last month showed overwhelming support for continuing the athletic combine severed in November, according to results presented at the December 15 Waitsburg School Board meeting.

Last month, the Dayton School Board voted to end the DW Wolfpack athletic combine, effective January 2023, for middle school programs. This allowed the middle school boys' basketball team to finish the season as a combine but would split the girls' season to their respective schools. The vote was shocking and frustrating to many parents, athletes, and community members, as falling numbers of athletes had challenged the viability of sports teams for both the Waitsburg and Dayton schools.

In response to the Dayton School Board's decision, the Waitsburg School Board sponsored a community survey with five questions regarding the combine. The data were collected from December 2 through 8. The survey was available to parents, students, and community members in Dayton and Waitsburg.

The Dayton School Board and interim district superintendent were made aware of the survey and the intent to share the results publicly at the Combine Committee meeting scheduled for December 12. The chairman of the Dayton School Board acknowledged the receipt of the notice. However, the committee meeting was postponed until January

The survey received 242 responses. Sixty-eight percent of responses came from Waitsburg community members, with the rest coming from Dayton residents. Most responses were submitted by parents (44%).

Both communities strongly supported the combine for the high school level, with 60% of Dayton and 83% of Waitsburg voting to continue the program. Dayton was less supportive of the combine at the middle school level, with only 25% of the supporting votes.

Dayton had six athletes turn out in the 2022-23 football season, while Waitsburg had nine.

Dayton had 20 middle school volleyball players, and Waitsburg provided 15.

Dayton had 11 athletes for boys' basketball, while Waitsburg had 24. Former DW Athletic Director Sam Korslund provided numbers.

Comments provided by 26 student respondents expressed the importance of thinking about what the students want rather than what the adults want from the combine. This echoed comments from students since the combine first began approximately seven years ago.

Summary of the 54 comments from parents noted that since a decision had been made, it was time for both schools to move on. Comments from residents in both school districts mentioned the need to improve coaching and provide co-op opportunities should either school not have enough to field a team.

Other comments expressed concerns regarding the intent, communication, fairness, and integrity of the adults involved in leading the combine. Of the forty community members who left comments, some referenced the camaraderie and relationships developed between the athletes and concerns that splitting the combine would take that away from the kids.

One commenter wrote, "if the students from both Waitsburg and Dayton express an interest in continuing the DW Combine so they may fully participate in all sports at all levels, then I support them, AND we, the adults need to learn to better communicate, collaborate, and cooperate on their behalf. Let's put aside differences as regards to the past and move forward for our students- our future!"

Two board members from each district will meet to discuss the combine survey results and the future of athletics for the schools. The representatives have not decided when or where the meeting will take place. The Waitsburg School Board is hopeful that the meeting will result in recommendations to be presented at both districts' regular meetings in January.

Preparing to move forward, Waitsburg School District has hired Karen Huwe as the middle school girls' basketball coach and Dirk Hansen as the district's new athletic director. The girls' basketball season will start in January, when schools return from winter break.

Below is a summary of the survey as it was. presented to the Waitsburg School Board.

The survey offered respondents the opportunity to provide brief comments

Of the 252 surveys received, 120 included comments.

The number of comments per role:

• 40 Community members —Dayton 13; Waitsburg 27

• 54 Parent of currently-enrolled students — Dayton 17; Waitsburg 37

• 26 Students — Dayton 5; Waitsburg 21

Summary of 26 student comments.

From the five students who responded no to the Combine:

• Some commenters noted that the decision (by the Dayton School Board) had been made, and it was time to move on.

• Several commented that the survey should have been conducted a long time ago.

• Others shared that parents need to get their act together as this is not about them.

From the 21 students who responded yes to the Combine

• Over half of the comments stressed the importance of considering what the student-athletes want, not what the adults want.

• Concerns that without the Combine, the schools may have trouble fielding competitive teams in all sports.

• Some valued building relationships between the other district’s student-athletes.

Summary of 54 parent comments.

From 15 parents who responded no:

• Over half echoed, “A decision has already been made. Time to move on!”

• Parents from both districts said there was a need to improve coaching, and co-op opportunities should be provided if a school district does not have enough athletes to field a team.

• Concerns over intent, communications, fairness, and the adults' integrity.

From 39 parents who responded yes:

• Many echoed student comments, asking for consideration over what the kids want.

•The Combine allows more opportunities for the schools to field competitive teams.

•Improved and effective communication, cooperation, and collaboration by the adults would model good sportsmanship, team building, and teamwork to students.

• “I understand there are issues with the Combine, but I believe they are surmountable. We need to come together as adults and get this solved for the future of our kids.”

Summary of 54 community member comments

From the 13 community members who responded no:

• One comment was that ‘cultures are somewhat different’ between the districts.

• Another stated that the only reason for creating the Combine was to play 11-man football. “Play 8-man football. It’s real football too!”

•Several supported the Combine but recognized that the adults found it difficult to work together.

From the 27 community members who responded yes:

• Comments urged listening to what the students want; they are the priority.

• Several felt the Combine is the only way both districts can sustain competitive athletic programs.

• Some mentioned the camaraderie and relationship developed between students from the two districts, concerned about taking the contact away.

• “If the students from both Waitsburg and Dayton express an interest in continuing the DW Combine so they may fully participate in all sports at all levels, then I support them. AND we, the adults, need to learn to better communicate, collaborate and cooperate on their behalf. Let’s put aside our differences as regards to the past and move forward for our students – our future!”