(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board has voted to proceed with a wrestling coop with Doniphan West Middle School, contingent on a minimum of three Hiawatha Middle School students going out for the sport.

The board took the action when they meet Monday evening.

Currently, Doniphan West has 2 to 3 students going out for the sport, while the board was told Hiawatha has 2 students interested for sure and 2-3 on the fence.    

The average cost per year to run the program is $4,500.  Hiawatha would be responsible for no more than half the cost. 

The season runs from October 17th to November 19th.

Practice would be held at the Doniphan West school, and parents would be responsible for transportation.

In other business, there was a discussion about the number of injuries on the Red Hawk football team.

The board asked Athletic Director Josh Moser if he thought they could continue the season with the athletes that they had left, and he said he believed they could.

The football team started with about 45 athletes and is currently down to about 35.

The board brought up the idea of ensuring that physical therapists come in and evaluate the athletes to see what they can do to potentially reduce injury risk.

Board President Ian Schuetz presented three staff members with a certificate of recognition for outstanding service. Special Education para Roni Brockhoff was recognized for her always pushing students to do their best work as well as her genuine interaction with students. HHS STUCO sponsor Chris Diller was recognized for his effort in organizing community service day as well as his commitment to serving the district. Band director Jarod Estrada was recognized for seeking out the opportunity for students to attend the Fountain City Youth Brass Expo in Kansas City as well as his efforts to grow and improve the band program.