BP, Hayfield co-op approved

The MSHSL board has approved that Blooming Prairie and Hayfield High School will join forces as the Blooming Prairie-Hayfield co-op football team this coming fall.

Hayfield Schools Superintendent Gregg Slaathaug announced the merger with a post to Facebook around 3 p.m. on June 30.

“I wanted to share an important update regarding our football program for the upcoming school year. After many thoughtful discussions, Hayfield and Blooming Prairie have agreed to enter into a cooperative agreement for football for students in grades 7-12,” said Slaathaug in his post to the Hayfield Community Schools Facebook page.

The two teams join forces after program participation numbers have fluctuated in the past few seasons for both teams.

“The number one reason for this cooperative agreement is student safety. As participation numbers continue to fluctuate, it is our responsibility to provide a safe environment where students can compete, develop, and enjoy the game of football. Just as important, we want every student-athlete to have the opportunity to be part of a positive, competitive, and rewarding experience,” said Slaathaug.

Both teams have a storied history of going toe-to-toe on the gridiron, but Slaathaug doesn’t see the change interfering with either town’s football identity.

“I know this is a significant change, and I also know how much pride both communities have in their football traditions. Please know that this decision was not made quickly or lightly. Throughout this process, one priority remained above everything else-our students,” he said.

According to him, the co-op will last “for a minimum of two years.”

Interestingly, Blooming Prairie and Hayfield have been in a co-op for wrestling since 2019 that falls under the Westfield Razorbacks title; however, the team will choose to forego the same name to represent both towns.