Top of the Morning, July 17, 2024

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Danville won’t be the only area high school to field a girls’ flag football team when the IHSA introduces the sport this fall.

Urbana’s good to go, too, a year ahead of schedule.

“It was important for us to get on board early,” Urbana athletic director Steve Waller said. “It’s a developing sport. The quicker we get going, the better.”

The iHSA originally listed Urbana as possibly fielding a team in 2025. However, Waller surveyed the student body in the spring “and got a positive response.” He then received permission from the district to hire two coaches — Ordell Walker and assistant Bobby Boykin — and offer roster spots to whoever wants to play. “The more the merrier,” Waller said. “There will be no cuts.”

The response in Danville — more than 80 girls are involved in summer workouts — shows just how much interest there is in flag football. Waller said the sport is a perfect fit for Urbana’s emphasis on “culture and climate. Our students are always looking for new opportunities — this is one.”

There will be an introductory meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the high school commons. Girls hoping to play for the Tigers are encouraged to attend. Email Walker (owalker@usd116.org) or Boykin (bboykin@usd116.org) with questions.

Waller said he’ll encourage fall coaches to allow athletes “to double up” to bolster the roster in Year 1. “We want to make this as manageable as possible for the kids and the adults,” he said. “I’m very excited and I know the coaches are, too.”