Cedar Rapids, Iowa, September 12, 2025

News Summary

Cory Quail, the head coach of Highland football in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has resigned, citing significant concerns about player safety as participation declines and injuries escalate. With only 13 active players left, the district has already canceled the next two games and is evaluating the future of the season. Quail will continue supporting students as a physical education teacher while urging a focus on health and safety. The situation mirrors challenges faced by other local schools, highlighting broader issues in youth sports.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa: Highland Football Coach Resigns, Calls for Suspension of Season Due to Player Safety Concerns

In a significant turn of events for the Highland football program in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, head coach Cory Quail has officially resigned from his position, citing player safety as the primary reason for his decision. In a post on Facebook, Quail expressed his concerns regarding the well-being of the players and emphasized his belief that the remaining games should be canceled for their protection.

Quail’s resignation comes amidst troubling statistics, as the Highland football team has seen a sharp decline in player participation and an alarming rise in injuries. Currently, the team operates with only 13 active players following their recent 40-7 defeat against Wapello. This has created a challenging environment, where, at one point during a game, some receivers had to don lineman jerseys, highlighting the depth issues the team faces.

The Highland school district has already acted on these concerns by canceling the next two scheduled football games. Superintendent Spencer Lueders acknowledged the critical need for a thorough evaluation of the football program to ensure a safe sporting experience for its students. He reiterated the district’s commitment to prioritizing student safety and recognized the resilience shown by players during this turbulent time.

In light of these developments, several players from the Highland team have stepped forward to assist with junior high practices while the high school games are suspended. The district is currently weighing its options regarding the future of the season, which may include completely canceling it or facilitating arrangements for Highland players to join another district’s football team. A formal decision is expected to be reached by next week.

Despite stepping down as head coach, Quail will remain with Highland as a physical education teacher. He has vowed to continue supporting the students through strength and conditioning programs, aiming to foster their development outside of competitive play. Quail underscored his commitment to ensuring that the current challenges will not tarnish the reputation of Highland’s football program.

This situation in Cedar Rapids is not an isolated incident, as another local school, Siouxland Christian, has already canceled its football season due to similar concerns about safety and player availability.

Background on Player Safety Concerns

The decision by Quail to resign reflects broader issues affecting football programs in smaller schools across the country. Many schools are grappling with declining participation rates and increasing injury reports, prompting coaches and administrators to rethink how they approach youth sports to prioritize health and safety. In light of Quail’s departure, discussions about the future of football within the Highland community are becoming more urgent.

Key Details

• Highland football team currently has 13 active players.
• Next two games canceled; decision on the season pending.
• Superintendent emphasizes support for student safety.
• Quail will continue working as a physical education teacher.
• Resilience among players highlighted amid the crisis.

Future Considerations

As Highland considers its next steps, the spotlight will remain on player safety and the overall health of its athletics program. The outcome of the district’s evaluation will have implications not only for the current football season but also for future planning and athlete welfare.

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Additional Resources

• The Gazette: Tim Lovell Steps Down as Linn-Mar Football Coach
• Wikipedia: High School Football
• The Gazette: Jeff Gordon Steps Down as Iowa City Liberty Football Coach
• Google Search: High School Football Safety
• The Gazette: Ryan Luehrsmann Resigns as Head Boys Basketball Coach at Cedar Rapids Xavier
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Athletics (Sport)
• The Gazette: Kent Allison Steps Down as Football Coach at Lisbon
• Google News: High School Football Resignation
• The Gazette: Morrissey Leaving Prairie for Arizona
• Google Scholar: High School Athlete Safety
• The Gazette: Lewis Resigns as Kennedy Coach Update
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Football

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