JUNIOR VARSITY GAME VERSUS ROCK RIDGE CANCELLED

Due to an insufficient number of players on their roster, Rock Ridge has cancelled the junior varsity game scheduled for September 15. We are actively pursuing a replacement game. Check here for updates.

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EAST FOOTBALL 2025 SEASON START DATE

The football season starts Monday, August 11 for all East High School football players grades 9 through 12. All players who would like to participate during the 2025 season must attend practice on the August 11 tryout date, unless they have extenuating circumstances that have been pre-approved by the head coach.

Similarly, players are expected to attend all practices during preseason camp and during the season. Missing practice can impact a player's place on the depth chart and/or their playing time in games. If an absence will/does occur, please email the head coach at dulutheastfootballcoach@gmail.com with the absence date and reason.

On August 11, players should report to the high school media center by 8 a.m. They should wear workout attire and bring all previously issued football equipment. Players are each assigned a locker in the athletics locker room. A lock will be supplied but it must be returned at the end of the season.

Note: There is Hound Power training at 7 a.m. on Monday's and Wednesday's in August that we encourage players to attend.

Here is the detailed 2025 practice calendar.

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PARTICIPANT TO-DO LIST

Those wishing to participate in football must complete the following tasks prior to August 11:

1. Athletics Physical - Student-athletes must have an athletics physical on file with the high school in order to participate. Here is a link to that Minnesota State High School League form. The form must then be turned into the activities office.

2. Assessment Form/Fee - The assessment form must be submitted and the fee paid by August 11. This form and fee are managed by the Touchdown Club. Players who cannot afford the assessment fee and the purchase of practice apparel should communicate with the Touchdown Club about the availability of scholarships - dulutheasttouchdownclub@gmail.com.

3. Athletics Registration (Available early-August) - The athletics registration process must be completed on the Activities Office website by August 11. Please carefully follow the instructions. The football activities fee administered by the Activities Office is $235. Student-athletes who qualify for free and/or reduced lunch can qualify for a discounted fee.

4. Fundraiser Preparation - Fundraising is an integral part of funding the equipment and other activities of the football program. On August 18 at 12:30 p.m., we will start a one-week fundraising campaign to help financially support our football program. Our players will sell discount cards to raise money. They will receive more information about this process on August 12.

5. Attend Greyhound Nation & Fall Football Family Meeting - Our activities director, Bill Zwak, will review school, district, and MSHSL standards, policies, and procedures for players and parents/guardians at this meeting in the high school auditorium. The meeting will be followed by the Fall Football Family Meeting, also in the auditorium. Greyhound Nation is on August 7 at 5:30 p.m.

*You must be enrolled in ISD 709 to participate in athletics at East, unless previously approved by the activities office. If you are open enrolling to East, a home school student, a new transfer student, or a foreign exchange student, you must communicate with the activities office to ensure your eligibility.

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TOUCHDOWN CLUB & PARENT/GUARDIAN/ALUMNI VOLUNTEERING

In order for our football program to fulfill it's potential, we must create a culture where our players, parents, coaches, alumni, and other stakeholders regularly engage with each other. We must establish relationships with our peers that motivate the actions necessary for us to succeed. This can't only exist during the season; it should be year-round.

A good way for parents to start building these relationships is through the Touchdown Club. This is our booster club which supports our football program through fundraising and event management. Learn more about the Touchdown Club here. Then, attend a meeting to become an active participant.

The Touchdown Club provides opportunities for parents, guardians, and alumni to be active participants in the football program. It takes a village for us to accomplish our goal of providing a transformative experience for our student-athletes. Committing as little as one hour per month to a committee (here are existing committees) enables participants to impact the program. 

Please complete this form if you are willing to participate in a committee.

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QUARTERBACK CLUB

Join Coach Tetreault and other coaches at Tavern on the Hill to review the previous week's game, preview the upcoming opponent, and to talk Hound Football. Sound like fun? Parents, alumni, and other program supporters, we look forward to seeing you there.

Next QB Club: September 3, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Tavern on the Hill

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JOIN BAND: OUR TEAM COMMUNICATIONS APP

In an effort to provide more direct and immediate communications with our players, coaches, and families, we have decided to use Band as a communications tool.

Band is a phone app that enables the coaching staff to communicate schedule updates, bus departure/arrival times, event info, and more in real time. Both players and families should join Band.

Click this link to join Band. You will need to download the Band app from the app store.

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TOUCHDOWN CLUB ONLINE APPAREL STORE

The Duluth East Touchdown Club has an online apparel store. Players, parents/guardians, family members, administrators, students, and fans are sure to find gear to help show their Hound Football pride.

Did you know that when you purchase this apparel you are supporting the Touchdown Club and Hound Football? It's true. A portion of each sale is returned to the booster club and used to support the needs of the football program.

The apparel makes great birthday, holiday, and, well, any day gifts! Join the Hound Football P.A.C.K. today!

Shop the Apparel Store Here