Omaha High School Football Faces Challenges

OMAHA, Neb. — The football season has come to an unexpected halt for Benson High School as the school has officially canceled the last two games due to what it describes as low participation numbers. Conversations around town reveal that a growing number of players transferring out of Benson may be contributing to this situation.

Community members have expressed their disappointment over the team’s early exit from the season. Coaches and parents agree that high talent levels from rival schools pose a challenge since many players have opted to leave Benson for other high schools, most notably Central High School, where 17 players made the move just two years ago.

The option enrollment system in Nebraska allows students to attend schools outside their designated districts. This “school choice,” while beneficial to some, has stirred up concerns about the impact on local sports teams. According to local officials, the number of transfers has been increasing, leading to difficulties in maintaining full rosters across various teams.

Nate Neuhaus from the Nebraska School Activities Association mentioned that the issue of dwindling participation isn’t just a Benson problem but is becoming a common trend in schools throughout the state. “Participation numbers aren’t what they used to be,” Neuhaus remarked, hinting that factors like community engagement and school loyalty have changed distinctly over the years.

Despite the current situation, the co-presidents of the Benson Bunnies Booster Club, Brandon and Stacy Fiscus, remain optimistic for the future. They believe there are better days ahead for their school, and emphasize the importance of working together as a community rather than viewing the changes as divisive. As discussions continue among school districts and education leaders about how best to approach this issue, everyone is hoping to find solutions that benefit local sports teams and keep athletes engaged.