Virginia City High will have own football team for first time since 1940s

VIRGINIA CITY - After an absence of more than a half century, high school football will return to Virginia City next year.

"From what we can tell, we haven't had football at this school since the 1940s," Virginia City High School principal and athletic director Patrick Beckwith said Thursday.

"The way we look at it, this is a new beginning for the sport at Virginia City," he said.

The school of 154 students will play football in the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association's Class 1A.

Beckwith, in his second year as the Muckers' principal and athletic director, said the school plans on building an artificial surface (FieldTurf) stadium near the school.

"It won't be ready for the start of the (2007) season, but we're going to play the season anyway," Beckwith said. "Our plan is to play our home games at other schools in the area that will be gracious enough to allow us to use their facility."

Virginia City High does not have any athletic fields on campus.

"It has made it difficult for us, even from a (physical education) standpoint," Beckwith said. "Our plan now is to also add a baseball or softball field."

Beckwith said that the baseball or softball field would overlap the football field, with part serving as the outfield.

The Muckers' baseball and softball teams play at local parks and neighboring schools, such as Dayton High.

"Our kids are excited," Beckwith said. "Our boys want football so badly."

Beckwith said the position of football coach is open. The Muckers are also hiring a new softball coach.

The Muckers will be one of the largest football schools in Class 1A. The Class 1A enrollment cutoff is currently 169 students. Class 1A plays eight-man football in Nevada.