Shanley, Oak Grove request approval for cooperative football program

The Shanley Deacons and Oak Grove Grovers Could Become a Co-Op by Fall 2024

FARGO, N.D. — The St. John Paul II Catholic Schools and Oak Grove Lutheran will request approval for a cooperative football program beginning in Fall 2024. Approval of the co-op requires approval by the North Dakota High School Activities Association. The schools are seeking an emergency pairing for 2024, followed by a three-year term for cooperative programs. Oak Grove played an independent schedule in 2023 and only had 13 players from grades 10 through 12. The Grovers applied for 9-man football classification but were denied. John Paul II leadership view the potential co-op as a way to provide Oak Grove student athletes with an opportunity to continue to participate in football as well as ensuring. that Shanley can continue to compete at the highest level in AAA football as they are currently the smallest school in the division.

The Shanley Deacon’s football program is one of the most historic programs in North Dakota having won 21 State Championships since 1953. The Deacons graduated baseball legend, Roger Maris who was also a star for the football team. More recently, Shanley Football developed NFL players, Connor McGovern who plays center for the New York Jets as well as Dan Arnold who is a free agent tight end.

The teams would merge and keep would maintain the Deacons’ name and uniforms.