News Summary

Des Moines Hoover High School has officially decided to suspend its football program for the 2025 season due to declining student participation. This unexpected move has left families and fans in shock. The school emphasized the importance of student health and safety, leading to this decision. Although Hoover’s football team faced continuous struggles, promising players did emerge, yet the low enrollment figures at the school have raised serious concerns about the future of the program. Families are encouraged to explore opportunities with neighboring football programs as the school navigates this transition.

Des Moines Hoover High School Bids Farewell to Football for 2025 Season

The bustling city of Des Moines is witnessing a significant change in its high school sports landscape. Des Moines Hoover High School has made the tough decision to cut its football program for the upcoming 2025 season, primarily due to the ongoing decline in student participation. This move has left many families and fans stunned, but it seems to have been a necessary step in light of current circumstances.

A Shift in Team Dynamics

With low involvement from students, the Hoover football team will not be hitting the field next season. The school recently informed families about this decision, emphasizing that the health and safety of students, as well as their interests, were key factors in the discussion. Families can rest easy knowing that athletes from Hoover still have the option to join the Des Moines Roosevelt football program if they wish to continue their passion for the sport.

Enrollment Numbers Tell a Story

The situation at Hoover can largely be attributed to the enrollment figures that reveal minimal participation. For the 2023-24 school year, Hoover ranked 51st among Iowa schools with an enrollment of only 660 students. The Iowa Athletic Association uses these enrollment figures, known as BEDS numbers, to determine the competitive class size for schools, contributing further to the challenges the Hoover football program faces.

A Tough Season for Hoover

The football team has struggled significantly over the past few seasons. In both 2024 and 2023, the team recorded a disappointing 0-9 season, with an average score margin of 45-9. The last time Hoover tasted victory was all the way back on September 9, 2022, in a nail-biting game against Sioux City West, ending in a 35-33 score. Since then, the team has struggled to earn even a single win, culminating in only 12 wins since their promising 6-4 season in 2015.

However, not all is gloom. Some standout players emerged from the ashes of this tough season. Junior quarterback Samuel Zay Zay threw for over 550 yards during the past season, while running back Diyon Berry managed to make an impression with 376 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Notable contributions also came from freshmen Niyo Francois and Paulo Asani, who showcased their skills on the defensive side.

Coaching Changes Ahead

In light of this announcement, head coach Theo Evans, who has been a fixture of the program, will be stepping away to take up an assistant coaching position at Dallas Center-Grimes. While the transition may open up fresh opportunities for the students, it also adds to the sense of uncertainty surrounding the future of the football program.

The Road Ahead

The Hoover football roster, which included only 45 athletes in 2024, saw just 31 players record statistics during the season. As students shift their interests to other sports like soccer, which is reportedly experiencing growth at Hoover, the football program’s road ahead looks uncertain. This is not the first time low participation has raised concerns. Similar issues faced the Hoover football program in January 2022.

While the 2025 season may be a moment of reflection for many, families and athletes alike are left wondering what lies ahead for Hoover’s football program once 2025 has come and gone. The future remains unclear, but one thing is for sure—the spirit of competition lives on in the hearts of Hoover’s students, just waiting for the right moment to burst forth again.

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