TCSS sent the confirmation statement around 3 p.m. on Feb. 5, with many Holt students seeing the news while still at school. Word spread quickly, but reliable information didn’t.

Rather, the Ironmen are locked in on what lies ahead. "We've got something to prove," Burrell said. Holt opens its 2025 season on Friday, Aug. 22 at R.C. Hatch.