The Montana High School Association (MHSA) approved a co-op between Alberton and Superior High Schools for the 2016-2017 school year, as well as for the 2015 basketball season.  The Junior High Football and Volleyball programs already participated in the co-op this fall.  

However, basketball will be the first varsity and junior varsity teams as the newly formed “Clark Fork Mountain Cats”.  

The name, mascot and team colors were voted on by the students. With the new colors a merged blend of both schools; maroon and royal blue. The logo is a cat’s paw print.

The co-op was discussed at an Alberton School Board meeting held in June because   both schools have been experiencing a declining student population.  

“Filling the sports roster is becoming increasingly difficult,” said Alberton’s Principal and Athletic Director, Kyle Fisher, “Alberton has had to pull eighth graders up to play on the varsity teams over the past few years.”

“This practice can increase the possibility of injury to the athletes, because it’s a situation of seniors playing against a much younger student.  It also denies the younger students the experience of developing his or her athletic ability against players at their own level,” said Fisher.  

By creating the co-op, the schools have the ability to play sixth through eighth graders in the middle school programs. As well as, have junior varsity and varsity teams. This will make the entire sports program more enjoyable for players, coaches and parents. 

According to information provided by Superior’s Principal and Athletic Director, Alan Laabe, enrollment projections will remain low through 2025 and so the co-op is projected to stay in place for a number of years.