With the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy still wreaking havoc across the area, Section 1 has canceled all non-playoff football games for the remainder of the season.
My colleague Vince Mercogliano spoke to Section 1 executive director Jennifer Simmons, who confirmed my earlier report that the section has wiped out all football games other than the remaining semifinals and finals.
I had been in touch with several athletic directors and coaches who said they had been working with prospective opponents to reschedule games.
326 Comments
Don,
If the proceeds can help those battles then it’s a win/win. I don’t donate $$$ to the Red Cross, only materials—you can put $$$ into exec pockets if you want.
The guy who told us to not try is now critcizing us for trying. Can’t please some folks.
if the proceeds can help those embattled by Sandy talking to my dad at the same time.
I guess Don neglected to read loudmouth’s piece on possible red cross blood donor staitions at fundraiser games. I’d gladly give up some of my A+ will you?
I’m O- I can give to anyone and often do.
I wk dee what these naysayers would be sayin if it was New Ro North Rock Harrison etc who were told their games were cancelled?
Josh – Could you clear up some possible confusion that many of us who respect you a great deal and appreciate your insight into Section 1 Athletics, would appreciate?
Have you spoken directly with a number of Athletic Directors and School Administrators within the Section, pertaining to playing these extra games, especially using the proceeds from these games as “Disaster Relief Fund Raisers”??? If the majority of them strongly feel that this concept would indeed present itself as a very good and noble idea, have they (The AD’s and School Administrators) presented their strong stance on the matter directly to Jenn Simmons?
Knowing that in reality, these individuals (The AD’s and the School Administrators) are her bosses, one would believe that they would be able to determine exactly what course of action(s) would need to take place.
Also Josh, have you been able to directly contact Ms. Simmons for a comment, given the amount of public sentiment that this subject has driven over the past several days?
Reading information posted on here, that some of your colleagues (Mike Quick/Kevin DeVaney Jr., etc) are planning on covering this matter via their resources/news outlets), are you (The Journal News) planning on writing an article in the local sports section concerning this (vs. just having this as a BLOG)? Finally, has anyone reached out to the AD’s, School Administrators as well as the Poughkeepsie Journal and Times Herald Record concerning Section 9’s potential participation in this outstanding idea.
Any and all information provided by you Josh, would be greatly appreciated
Donald I donate more $$ than you…
And like states said , usually goes to exec directors salary… Stop being a whimp… If it was ur team affected u be the biggest cry baby on here…
suffern had practice today. who they play was known based upon last week’s results.
no one is minimizing what tons of people have lost or the recovery and support they need and deserve. the issue is continued irrational displays of decision making by an administrator who has lost the respect of certain superintendents and high powered coaches. the question is how hard do they collectively go after it/her or whether she backpedals. don’t think she will so the chess match begins.
playing the games is the first move and the start of the match by nonplayoff schools. the playoff schools/coaches begin the second move with the start of the season and how it affected their preparation.
Wing let me know about those shirts!!!
Has to say “Just a fact” on the back!!!
Hallie,
I’ve suggested someone w/ more clout than me reach out to Dan P of the Poughkeepsie Journal. If we have no takers by thr end of the night, I’ll shoot him and Lauren Johnson a note tomorrow morning.
No offense to exec directors, it’s just that the red cross and the organization I work for are enormous for having their execs recieve exorbitant amounts of dollars-
granted their jobs are tough. Not a jab at anyone else at all :)Can’t get the shirts by tomorrow.
If this is still an issue I can get them for next week’s games.
Sorry they can’t get them done that quick.
U have my $250 if u get the shirts done… Guarantee!!!
jen gave no explanation for cancelling the non playoff and bowl games. Will she sanction WP for playing the turkey bowl or will she fold under the pressure of WP mayor?? I hope WP plays the turkey bowl even if it noone else thinks its fair. I just want to see seniors finish it on the field
S1 adamantly re-decided NO for any Bowl-games—period.
People present reported the same secretive and no-rationale-provided behavior that others have referenced.
Worse—- there is a hanging threat that any player that participates in an ‘unsanctioned’ game may be ineligible for WINTER/SPRING sports as a penalty. This is vindictive and intolerable.
Now we need the lawyers on this blog to step up. Injunction, Class Action based on irreparable harm to Seniors.
The number 1 goal is no longer to get this years seniors back on the field, although I’m not giving up hope just yet.
Priority number 1 is now to hold Jen Simmons responsible for her callus/ educationally unsound/ vindictive treatment of our student athletes. We can not let this go on any longer…this soma. Is destroying section 1 football and the hopes and dreams of the young men who sacrifice so much to play this king of all sports. SHE MUST GO!!!
Jen Castro, Jen Pinochet, Jen Stalin
How one person holds so
Much power and can threaten so many is mind boggling.
To everyone who agrees this is a great injustice to the kids. Thank you!
We are still working on this folks. Don’t stop your advocacy.
RU upset, that may be our ultimate goal, but lets not stop trying to get these games back on track. It will accomplish both.
i know of a couple elected officials that are willing to weigh in for us. I am developing an issue/response memo for people who are not familiar with these issues and are willing to make a call. Any one else have elected officials who are willing to make a call?
School boards and Superintendents are being given very lame excuses for this decision that frankly are not insurmountable.
I will email it to anyone who wants it.
Josh you can share my email with anyone who asks for this or post your email and I will send it to you. I need until tomorrow morning to finish it.
Just a fact- like your style.
This whole disaster of section 1 is a microcosm of our country right now. Taking the easy way out. Greed. Incompetence. But tomorrow we get a brief escape from it all at 2 o’clock in Harrison, NY. A break from all the devasatation of this weeks events as Art Troilo, Jr. and Tony DeMatteo square off in a game that combines 60+ years of head coaching and almost 500 wins between them. Tomorrow we put it all behind us as two legends face off and show us why football is the greatest sport on planet Earth. May the best team win.
To Ms. Simmons,
It would really be magnanomous of you to demonstrate your potentiality to re-evaluate the situation and have the capability to rectify such an erroneous and premature decision. As you can see, many have concurred that these kids are better off, and would be mentally healthier if they were to proceed with a resemblance of normalcy. If the non playoff schools have a workable venue, then let them individually decide on the capability of having the final game. Further, if the NY Marathon is going to happen, then…
Don’t allow yourself to be such a major part of a horrific senior experience for these kids!
Please re-think this circumstance
Rom – Dog!!!!
You know we are all cousins!!!
I agree great game lined up for tomorrow. The anticipation for tomorrow …. Well not many things more exciting. Trip OT!!!!!
Wing t, if i had a kid being effected, he and I would be all over the this blog and phone calls etc.. I saw t Hopkins tweeting… I think more affected players and parents need to make more noise…..
But at same time guys like yourself who know how to organize and bring things to the streets …. Just tell me what I can do…
Just,
Do you know Ray Zayas? He is the NYPHSAA director in Albany.
I have his cell number and am going to call today. But if you or anyone knows him a personal call would be helpful.
He can have some influence.
Some one that goes to the Hollow – Brewster game should speak with Chuck Scarpula. I know him but can’t make that game or if anyone has his contact information I will be happy to contact him.
The request should be for the games to be reinstated in the context of hurricane Sandy relief and the seniors having a chance to finish their careers. Some of the players that Josh mentioned could be cited.
People should talk to, call or email their superintendent and AD. There is an Superintendent meeting on Sunday to deal with broader scheduling issues that may be our last chance to get this changed.
These issues are clouding the decision to get these games back on schedule. Some conversations that I have had go right to the issue of getting the sectional championship tournaments for other sports organized. It is a real problem, but should not make this issue less important.
AD’s and coaches are willing to do all the leg work to get the games on track. The officials are willing to handle the scheduling issue. Don’t let those issues be the reason to keep the games from happening.
Another issue that keeps coming up is availability of fields. I have looked into this and it is not an issue and can be handled on the local school level. It is dealt with every week by AD’s.
Short time frame, so we need to do the work today and tomorrow.
An example of building community unity comes from East Ramapo.
Spring Valley has been hammered and the coaches and AD’s from SV and Ramapo were scheduling a game with a food and donation drive to help those affected. A district that is divided by so much denied an opportunity to come together.
Let them play….
Wing, I do not know Ray Zayas. I could probably dig up his email. I say call him. Let us know his comments than I will either call or shoot and email.
Love what SV and Ramapo are trying to do. WHat about the Clarkstowns? Their parents usually have pull?? Where is 3 yards and a cloud of dust when you need him???
Thanks Just,
His first name is Robert. I typed too fast. I will let you know.