The Waubun-Ogema-White Earth School Board approved an agreement with Mahnomen Thursday night to consolidate three spring sports and one fall activity.
Declining participation and cost saving measures were cited as reasons for the consolidation.
The two districts are already paired for wrestling and track. Starting next month the two will combine softball, golf and baseball, and next fall, Waubun will pair with Mahnomen for dance team.
"Mahnomen doesn't offer baseball and softball and there is interest over there," activity director Dave Peterson said. "And our numbers aren't the greatest."
Varsity baseball players will practice in Waubun, while junior high will be in Mahnomen.
ADVERTISEMENT
Softball practice will take place in Waubun and golf will be in Mahnomen.
Since the track team already heads to Mahnomen for practice, baseball players will hop on the same bus to save on transportation costs for both districts, superintendent Mitch Anderson said.
Wrestling coach John Short raised some concerns about the pairing at this week's board meeting.
"I just want you guys to be aware that there are a lot of issues that you don't see," he said.
The Waubun-Ogema-White Earth School District will lose its voice and Mahnomen will make most of the decisions, Short added.
"That's all everybody knows is Mahnomen," he said.
The Mahnomen School Board already approved the pairing at their latest meeting.
