STC sophomore running back Michael Henry and the STC football program will compete in a new class and new district this coming 2025 season. NEWS CHRONICLE FILE PHOTO

The South Tama County football program will have a new look this fall. On Feb. 28, the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) released its classifications for the next two football seasons.

Upon release, STC was informed that it will now be moving from competing in Class 3A to Class 2A, starting with this fall’s season. It was welcome news to STC High School Activities Director Chelsea Ahrens.

“We are happy with the decision to be placed in class 2A for the next two seasons of football,” she said.

Since 2023, for football only, the IHSAA has used a unique formula for deciding classification. To make that determination, they calculate both school enrollment numbers and percentages of free and reduced lunches at that school. When they used that formula for the first time in 2023, STC was the final school classified in 3A above the cutoff for 2A.

“We do appreciate that those at IHSAA are taking a look at different options for classifying sports other than just the number of kids in each grade,” Ahrens said.

For the last two seasons in Class 3A, the Trojans have found the competition to be stout. In those two years, the Trojans have been winless within their district.

“Class 3A District 5 was a very difficult district to be a part of the past two seasons,” Ahrens said. “Williamsburg was in our district and was the State Champion in 2023. Our district also included strong programs such as Solon, Benton, and Grinnell. We know that Class 2A will be a tough task as well, we look forward to the challenge.”

STC Football Coach Nate Doran was also appreciative of the change.

“As a program, we are excited for the move to Class 2A. This transition represents a fantastic opportunity for our program to grow and develop,” he said.

In addition to the new classifications, on March 5 the IHSAA released each classes’ district assignments. For the next two years, STC will compete in Class 2A, District 7. Other schools competing in that district include: Albia, Centerville, Davis County (Bloomfield), Prairie City-Monroe, and Pella Christian.

The Trojans will play these five teams each year, in addition to three other games scheduled against non-district opponents. Doran offered his thoughts.

“We recognize the competitiveness that awaits us in this new district, and we are eager to rise to the challenge,” he said.

While the new classification is welcome news for the football program, Ahrens notes that the same approach for all sports would be desired, as well.

“We do wish that (the IHSAA) would use their formula of factoring in free and reduced lunch percentages in other sports,” Ahrens said.

In the meantime, the STC football program will look forward with excitement to the new season in the fall.

“This season, we will be fielding a young team at the varsity level,” Doran said. “I believe this shift to 2A offers us a fresh start as we look to build the foundation for our future. We are ready to compete and make our mark.”