Two Central Valley players get to play

VALLEY CITY — Central Valley senior football players Dusty Schildberger and Ethan Proznik will have their numbers called on Friday nights this fall.

After months of meetings and appeals, Schildberger and Proznik are eligible to play for Hillsboro High School courtesy of a newly installed amendment to the state’s football guidelines.

The amendment allows for the creation of co-ops in the second year of an existing two-year plan.

The North Dakota High School Activities Association Board of Directors approved the amendment with a unanimous 9-0 vote on Wednesday.

“I’m pretty happy that it happened and it’s pretty exciting that we’ll get to play for our senior year,” said Proznik, who plays running back and outside linebacker.

Schildberger shared Proznik’s enthusiasm.

“It’s really sweet and I was really happy about it,” said Schildberger who plays wide receiver and defensive back. “I get to play with my friends from Hillsboro now. It should be fun.”

Under the new emergency co-op rule, the school with the largest enrollment will be the host school of the co-op. The host school’s current schedule and division placement will be used for the second year of the existing plan.

Only seniors from the applying school are eligible for the varsity team at a $1,000 non-compliance fee per player. Junior varsity players can compete for a $200 fee.

Hillsboro-Central Valley will play in the 9-man division this fall. Central Valley is located near Buxton, N.D., which is 15 miles north of Hillsboro.

Who pays the fees for the Central Valley football players will be a matter of the school district, said board member Pete Moe.

— Tom Mix

Tags: high school, sports, football