Middle school and high school students in De Soto USD 232 soon will have two new sports options.

The De Soto board of education Monday unanimously approved middle school cross country programs and high school girls golf programs, so long as there is funding left in next year's budget.

Steve Deghand, athletic director at De Soto High School, said middle school cross country interest was high, as a running club of about 50 students already is present at Lexington Trails Middle School. The only major expense of a middle school cross country program is coaches, which the district's Athletic Advisory Council estimated would cost about $7,200 for a coach at all three middle schools. Assistant coaches would be hired at the ratio recommended for middle school track, which is 22 students to one coach. Uniforms would be shared with the track team and transportation costs would be minimal as most middle school meets coincide with high school meets, Deghand said.

High school girls golf will cost about $7,664 per high school. A head coach would average about $3,417 and an assistant coach would average about $2,147. Included in the costs is a van for transportation and practice fees at courses.

Matt Bohm, associate principal and activities director at Mill Valley High School, said the schools conducted a survey to find interest in girls golf. There was more interest expressed at Mill Valley than at De Soto High, but Bohm said he failed to ask if the students had their own golf clubs, which is a requirement for joining the golf team.

Bohm said a combined team with both schools would be possible, however the students would have to compete in the larger classification at regional competitions.

Board member Bill Fletcher asked how team members were getting to practices, citing concerns that players were driving each other or that parents had to provide transportation.

Bohm said there is no funding available for transportation to practices each week, and Deghand pointed out that baseball players were doing the same.

"At our school, what typically happens the freshmen can't drive, their parents are at work or can't get them there," Deghand said. "Typically they ride with the coaches."

That news didn't sit well with Fletcher.

"What happens if the coach has a wreck with the children involved?" he questioned. "Who has liability? Why should I put that coach in jeopardy with his car insurance and everything?"

Board member Larry Meyer questioned if there was a board policy on the issue, but no one was sure.

Board member Randy Johnson moved the board approve the programs, and the board directed the administration to find out more information on the board's policy and the possible liability issues for coaches who transport students to practices.