Weedsport Weighs Merger for High School Football Program

Weedsport is buzzing with discussions about a possible merger of its high school football program with nearby Jordan-Elbridge. A public Zoom meeting held on Wednesday saw over 35 community members join in to express their thoughts and ask questions about this potential collaboration.

District Superintendent Gregory Stone presented a detailed slideshow that explained how the merger could unfold. He mentioned that officials met with Weedsport’s football players earlier in the week, and many of them showed a strong interest in this proposal. The main goal of merging is to allow Weedsport to return to 11-man football, an option they switched from in 2018 due to dropping participation numbers.

A FAQ posted on the Weedsport district’s website highlights the importance of moving back to 11-man football. A merger would not only bring back the traditional format but could also enable a junior varsity program. During the meeting, some attendees raised concerns about player participation, with worries that a merger could reduce playing time or lead to cuts from the team. One concerned parent voiced, “My concern is obviously having the opportunity for the kids to play. That’s always the No. 1 goal with any parent.”

Conversely, some community members expressed anxiety over the continuing decline in participation affecting the current 8-man program at Weedsport. An alarming 36% drop in enrollment over the past 25 years—from 1,046 to 667—was mentioned. The district noted that fewer athletes could raise the risk of injuries.

Going forward, Superintendent Stone stated that they would gather feedback from the meeting and present it to the board of education to determine the next steps. For many in the community, the hopes are high for a solution that keeps the players engaged and safe on the field.