By Rodney Haas 

605 Sports 

COLOME — Following the conclusion of the school year, the Colome Cowboys and Cowgirls name will join a list of other mascot names that have faded in the history books, as the school will combine with Gregory for athletics beginning in the fall. 

“It’s a huge deal. You’re losing the identity as a Cowboys/Cowgirls, but it’s where we are at as far as today’s sports,” Colome athletic director Wade Juracek said.  “We gave it our fair shot and we held out as long as we could.” 

After winning a state football title a decade ago, the school located between Gregory and Winner along Highway 18 has struggled with low enrollment numbers which has resulted in lower numbers on the school’s athletic teams. 

This past year, the school fielded varsity football and volleyball teams, while competing at the junior varsity level in basketball. This spring, Colome has fielded a track and field team of 11 kids — including five boys and six girls. 

The co-op is for athletics only as the school will remain open as Colome kids will travel to Gregory for practices and sports while competing as Gorillas. 

“Gregory’s numbers have been down and it's just a good thing,” Jurracek said.