Birmingham Public School District announced a historic co‑op between Groves and Seaholm for the first ever Oakland Activities Association girls flag football season this fall. The arrangement, described by district officials as a pilot program, is designed to boost participation numbers and give Seaholm athletes a chance to compete at the state’s highest level.
Longtime Falcons coach Geoff Wickersham said the co‑op will serve as a testing ground for collaboration, noting that the combined roster will draw athletes from lacrosse, soccer and track who would otherwise be out of season. He added that the influx of players should help the Falcons rebound from a one‑win campaign last year, while also providing more depth for the new joint team.
A Pilot With Promise
Uniforms for the fall will be supplied by Groves, though the district hinted that a custom United‑branded kit could be ordered if the partnership extends into the spring. The decision on whether to field separate teams next spring will hinge on sign‑ups, a detail Wickersham said will be clarified after the season concludes.
The move also reflects broader challenges faced by the schools, with Groves having been short‑handed twice this past spring due to conflicts in orchestra, dance and DECA. Despite finishing 1‑4 overall and 1‑3 in the All‑Us League, the program still produced five players who earned spots on the Free Press All‑State second team, including running back Aliyah Wright, receiver JaLayah Buffin‑Pitts and center Ella Kecskemeti.
Quarterback Ke'lko Buskin and running back Morgan Bass were recognized with honorable‑mention honors, while Brandon Folsom was also listed among the contributors. Wickersham emphasized that the co‑op’s success will ultimately be measured by the number of athletes who stay engaged through the spring, a metric that could determine whether the pilot becomes a permanent fixture.