New Phoenix Football Team Launches Winning Season

The newly-formed Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy Phoenix football cooperative has
started the season with three consecutive wins.

After several years of teaming with Canistota as the Canistota/Freeman Pride, Freeman Public
has entered into a cooperative sports agreement for football with neighboring Marion and Freeman
Academy across town. The team competes in South Dakota’s 9AA division under the name of the
Phoenix.

Students from the three schools voted and chose Phoenix – one of six options - as their new
team’s mascot. An immortal bird featured in Greek mythology, the Phoenix is a symbol of triumph and
hope.

Led by Freeman High School alumni Dustin Tschetter as head coach, the roster includes 24
players from the three schools that comprise the cooperative. Joining Tschetter in coaching
responsibilities are assistants Chris Sayler, Ryan Sorensen, Austin Unruh, Jacob VonBerg and
Braedon Wallenstein.

The new Phoenix team traveled to Burke for their first game of the season on August 19. The
result was a 34-12 victory for the Phoenix.

August 26 found the Phoenix taking the field in Freeman for their first home game. With a
large-margin score of 44-8 over Iroquois-Lake Preston, the Phoenix earned their second win of the
season.

Taking the Phoenix to 3-0 was their win over the Avon Pirates on September 2. Both teams
went into the game with 2-0 for the season, with the Phoenix attaining a 22-0 lead at the half. The
game ended with a score of 34-22 in favor of the Phoenix.

Following a bye week, the Phoenix will face the Howard Tigers on September 16. The Tigers
are currently ranked number one and are the reigning 9AA state football champions.

The first homecoming for the Phoenix will be on September 23 with a 2:30 PM kick-off time
against Colome. The game will take place at the football stadium on the campus of Freeman Public,
with the FHS music department hosting a tailgate starting at 12:30 PM.