By Hoven’s days of co-oping with other schools for athletics are a thing of the past.
This year, the small, Potter County town of about 380 residents is proving that even a small school district can afford students big opportunities.
Starting in 1998, Hoven began teaming up with neighboring school districts for sports. But now, the Greyhounds are taking the field and court wearing purple and gray, their school colors. Most of the team-oriented squads are playing junior varsity schedules this season as the school builds its programs.
“We just wanted to give our kids something of value,” said Hoven Athletic Director Jonie Abler. “Even if it’s not varsity, at least they have an opportunity.”
Hoven senior Dannika Kaup competes in the Class B girls state cross-country meet last fall. This school year, the Greyhounds are fielding independent athletics teams for the first time in about 25 years. Courtesy photo.
Hoven, Gettysburg end sports co-op
The school district ended its sports co-op with Gettysburg after the 2024-25 school year. Those combined teams played as the Potter County Battlers.
That decision came after months of discussion sparked by Gettysburg proposing consolidating school districts, Abler said.
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The talks led to asking some hard questions about what athletics should look like in Hoven, especially since the high school has just 37 students. In the end, the Greyhounds decided to go it alone.
Abler
Abler said the decision has saved travel time for students who play sports. They don’t have to drive to Gettysburg, which is more than 20 miles away.
“We surveyed our kids and our community and asked what they wanted,” Abler said. “The overwhelming response was to see what we could do on our own.”
Of the 37 high school students, 34 are participating in sports, she said. The decision has nearly doubled the number of kids out for athletics, and all middle school students are involved in at least one sport, Abler said. To her, that’s a sign that having teams in Hoven makes a big difference.
“I’ve seen our kids enjoy their school day more. There’s less stress. They have more time at home, more time with their community,” she said.
The football, volleyball, girls basketball and boys basketball teams are playing junior varsity schedules this school year, but wrestlers, golfers, and track and cross-country runners compete at the varsity level.
Fifteen students went out for football in fall, which limited the team to junior varsity status.
“I didn’t want to defeat the kids,” Abler said. “Throwing them into varsity right away wouldn’t have been fair. This gives them a chance to learn and compete at a level that matches where they’re at.”
Hoven School District invests $62,000 in athletic equipment
The school district has invested more than $62,000 in athletic equipment and worked with neighboring schools to fill schedules. Abler said nearby districts were willing to adjust when possible, particularly for JV competitions.
While there is no postseason play at the junior varsity level, Abler said the focus this year has been participation, consistency and rebuilding routines.
Community members are supporting the change with home games drawing nice crowds, according to school district officials.
During homecoming, Hoven dedicated its football field to longtime coach and athletic director Norm Stethem.
“I wasn’t born and raised here, but seeing how many people came back, that was mind-blowing,” Abler said.
Hoven’s Xavier Hobert inbounds the ball during a junior varsity boys basketball game this season. This is the first school year in decades Hoven hasn’t been in a sports co-op with another school. Courtesy photo.
Small schools have a choice, Hoven AD says
Abler grew up playing cooperative sports and has worked as an athletic director for eight years. To her, the takeaway from Hoven’s decision is simple — small schools shouldn’t assume they have no choice.
“I think more schools could do this,” she said. “Survey your kids. Survey your community, find out what direction they want to (go). You might be surprised how many just want a chance.”
Hoven’s athletic future is still a work in progress, including the prospect of having more varsity teams. Six-man football is an option, should that be approved by the South Dakota High School Activities Association. But for now, Abler said, the goal is sustainability — keeping students engaged, proud and connected.
“We haven’t had to cut a single sport. That tells me the commitment is there,” she said.
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For now, the Greyhounds will continue to field a mix of varsity and junior varsity teams while monitoring participation numbers. But, Abler said Hoven could spark other small schools to reconsider their long-term athletics cooperative arrangements.
“Every school is different,” she said. “But it showed us that, even with limited numbers, there are ways to make opportunities available.”
