The fall sports season is about to get underway at Miami County schools. Volleyball, soccer, and football. It won’t be long until area athletes are competing in varsity football games under the Friday night lights. Unless, you happen to go to Osawatomie High School. Last week, the school made the decision to forfeit all of the 2024 varsity football games. School officials are citing the lack of upperclassman on the team. They will still play junior varsity and c-team games.
After several meetings within the district, including high school administrators, coaches, the superintendent, members of the Board of Education, and a meeting with the Pioneer League, the school decided to forfeit the varsity games. District officials say they don’t want to take away some of these long-standing traditions, but to keep a varsity schedule would cause the very young players to face teams that are much larger and stronger, putting their physical safety at a great risk.
Superintendent Greg Clark says he knows it may not be a popular decision, but they are actively working to schedule some of the fall traditions and will let all patrons know when they are scheduled.
