Barker, Lyndonville and Roy-Hart School Districts have officially announced they will merge their football programs to create an eight-man varsity team ready to compete in September 2020.
According to the New York State School Boards Association, football programs throughout the state are experiencing a decrease in the number of participants. With players graduating and a limited number of students signed up to play, the three districts did not have enough players to field a team alone.
“Through collaboration, the three schools will be able to provide the opportunity for students to continue playing football,” said Lyndonville Superintendent Jason Smith. “We are optimistic about the merger and would like to thank each Board of Education for their support.”
Roy-Hart will serve as the host school, providing coaching and facilities. Athletes from Barker and Lyndonville will be bused to Roy-Hart for all practices and games. Joe Suhr, a teacher from Lyndonville Central School, was appointed head coach of the varsity team. Spring workouts and training will be announced as further coaching appointments are made.
With this merger, the districts also plan to create a junior varsity/modified team for students in grades seven through nine. If overall participation increases, the schools would be willing to petition to become an eleven-man varsity team.
Please check each district’s website for additional information and updates or contact Roy-Hart’s John Grzymala, Athletic Director, or Dr. Hank Stopinski, Superintendent, at 716-735-2000.