IHSAA and IGHSAU to Begin Separate Golf and Tennis Seasons in 2025-26 – Newton Daily News

The decision by the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) to move girls tennis to the fall has sparked mixed reactions among coaches, players, and parents. Executive director Erin Gerlich emphasized that the decision was based on extensive research, input, and data to alleviate spring schedule congestion. However, Newton head girls tennis coach Erick Zehr expressed concerns about how the change will impact programs already at a disadvantage.

Zehr acknowledged Gerlich’s efforts and the research conducted by the IGHSAU but remained apprehensive about the potential negative effects on schools like Newton. The decision to move girls tennis to the fall, along with boys golf, starting in the 2025-26 school year, was met with skepticism across the state of Iowa.

The rationale behind the decision was to address long-standing concerns from member schools regarding scheduling conflicts during the spring season. The move was approved by both the IGHSAU and the Iowa High School Boys Association after discussions at a joint meeting in early July. The current spring schedule in Iowa includes eight sports, leading to overlapping seasons and logistical challenges for schools.

The adjustment to move girls tennis and boys golf to the fall aligns with the practices of several other Midwest state associations, which have separate seasons for golf and tennis by gender. The benefits cited include increased availability of facilities, coaching resources, and reduced scheduling conflicts. While the transition may pose initial challenges, the aim is to enhance the overall state tournament experiences for tennis and golf.

However, coaches like Kyle Stribe from Baxter and Collin Harrison from PCM expressed concerns about the impact on small schools, particularly in terms of athlete participation and scheduling conflicts. Harrison highlighted the challenges faced by dual-sport athletes and questioned the practicality of the decision for smaller schools.

Jeremy Swink, PCM’s activities director, emphasized the need for flexibility among school administrators, coaches, and parents to accommodate students interested in participating in both football and golf. The potential scheduling conflicts and adjustments required for shared athletes will be a significant challenge for schools moving forward.

Despite the perceived benefits of playing golf in the fall, coaches like Pat Riley from Newton raised concerns about losing potential athletes due to conflicts with other fall sports. The decision may disproportionately affect smaller schools like Colfax-Mingo, where a significant number of golfers also participate in football.

The move will also impact volleyball programs, as some players have participated in both volleyball and tennis in recent seasons. Zehr noted the challenges of sharing athletes between the two sports and the potential disparity it may create in tennis programs.

In conclusion, while the decision to move girls tennis to the fall aims to address scheduling concerns, it has raised valid concerns among coaches and schools, particularly those in smaller communities. The implementation of the change will require careful planning and flexibility to ensure a smooth transition for student-athletes and programs affected by the shift in seasons.