ACCORD – Rondout Valley's decision last Friday to axe the 2009 varsity football program essentially cooks the goose of any would-be pigskin hero for this season. Athletic director Michael Kroemer cited the lack of available players as reason; the decision was reached when it became apparent that the RV Ganders would have to forfeit the first two games (vs. Goshen and James I. O'Neill).

NYSPHSAA rules require a minimum of 16 eligible players, and only 14 to 20 had attended daily practice since Aug. 17. Kroemer noted that the numbers might work over the whole season for a Class D program, or in the short term for a larger school, but for Rondout Valley, ranked Class A and with a relatively small student population, the answer was clear.

He argued that the physical nature of the sport is far too demanding to attempt the season with too few players.

"The health and safety of our student-athletes was the determining factor when considering our options," Kroemer said. "Every option has been investigated and there is no other choice at this time."

In 2000, Rondout Valley became the first Section 9 team to win a New York State Public High School Athletic Association championship.

Rondout Valley will continue to field JV and modified teams this fall.