Timetable Uncertain for Consolidation of Athletics for Hopkinsville and Christian County

While the atmosphere at Friday night’s football game between Christian County and Hopkinsville, and other athletic events this fall between the two schools, has been somewhat that of a possible farewell tour, it is beginning to look like that atmosphere and the farewell tour may carry on for a bit longer.

In a letter sent to students, staff, parents, and the community Tuesday morning, Superintendent Chris Bentzel stated that “although initial plans hinted at a ‘Farewell Year’ during the 2023-2024 school year, we’ve opted to slow down the early consolidation of our existing high schools. No final
decision has been made in regard to the timeline of consolidation. Our priority is to cultivate excitement and unity among our students, staff, and parents as we prepare for the new high school. What’s best for our students remains our unwavering focus.”

In talking about the slowing down of the merger process, and noting that any official decision will be in the hands of board members, Bentzel talked about the excitement generated by what many thought might be the last Christian County-Hoptown football game this past Friday night. “Our excitement was best captured this past Friday night as we watched our students together on the field. Sounds of music from our bands, cheerleaders leading the crowds, and fans cheering from the stands filled the stadium with a contagious enthusiasm painted an inspiring picture of the unity we aspire to achieve. It was a powerful reminder of the vital role our community plays in the lives of our students and we look forward to the day we unite on the fields, courts, and hallways as one.”

In the letter, Bentzel said the school system will be providing updates in the near future on the district’s website.

In September 2022, in a story published on YourSportsEdge.Com, Bentzel stated the plan was to have a “farewell year” during the 2023-24 school year with the consolidation of athletics and extracurricular activities to begin in the 24-25 school year. The statement was reinforced in January when, in a news release, the district announced it had made the request, “for the move into Class 6A, to align with the consolidation of Christian County High School and Hopkinsville High School beginning in the 2024 playing season.”

In that same release, officials noted that “football contracts are two-year contracts. By Christian County High School moving to 6A for the 2023 playing season contracts can be honored for both years, while allowing teams contracted with HHS ample time to find replacement games for the 2024 season.”

In Friday’s news release, Bentzel stated that plans are for students to be in the new school for the fall of 2026.

However, there was no mention in the news release of an early consolidation at this point for the athletic programs at the schools.

The groundbreaking for the new school has been set for September 15.