Columbia High School in East Greenbush, N.Y., has forfeited tonight’s game against Troy High School after several student-athletes were connected to an underage drinking party that occurred last weekend.
According to CBS 6 Albany, East Greenbush Police caught students at the Saturday party, and the East Greenbush Central School District immediately began an investigation, identifying the student-athletes
The district’s Athletic Code of Conduct states that athletes “shall not attend or remain at any gathering at which possession and/or use of harmful or illegal substances, such as alcohol, or by other students is taking place.” As a result, the district suspended student-athletes who were merely present at the party from half of the season’s game. Student-athletes who were discovered to be drinking alcohol could face suspension from the remainder of the season.
With the current suspensions, Columbia does not have enough players to field a team against opponents.
“Following a recent off-campus incident at a private residence, the East Greenbush Central School District has addressed a violation of our Athletic Code of Conduct involving student athletes from multiple sports,” said the district in a statement reported by WNYT13. “Consequences are being administered in accordance with the Athletic Code of Conduct to all students involved. The East Greenbush Central School District and Columbia High School hold our student athletes to high standards, both on and off the field. All student athletes and their parents and guardians agree to the Athletic Code of Conduct at the start of their seasons, which outlines standards for academics and behavior. While we understand that students make mistakes, this opportunity for learning and growth takes precedence over any athletic competition. We expect our student athletes to learn from this experience and move forward with a successful rest of the season.”
Columbia High School was previously undefeated this season and on the verge of breaking the school’s winning record. The East Greenbush Central School District also lists a junior varsity team on the athletics website, but it has not clarified if the JV team will continue to compete.
