By YASH KUMAR
featured image courtesy of Sholly B.
Due to a small roster, the Jericho High School varsity football team merged programs with Oyster Bay High School.
The teams combined because both programs lacked enough players. According to Jericho’s Athletic Director Mr. Mankowich the decision was made for safety reasons. “Safety was the main concern. We wanted to make sure our players weren’t being overplayed or played at the wrong positions because of lower numbers, so we decided that merging with Oyster Bay was the best option for the players’ safety, and for both schools’ programs overall,” he said.
With the merge, Jericho High School football players will play games and practice under the Oyster Bay High School football program. With a combined increased number of players, practices and games will be safer.
When sharing his viewpoints on the combination of schools, Jericho sophomore defensive end Sholly B. said, “ I was a little upset when hearing that I won’t be playing for my own school, but I am fine with it because I still have the chance to play football, which matters the most to me.”
Jericho safety Michael B. believes there are benefits to the merge. “The players are good teammates. It’s nice having new drills and more coaches to learn from, and more players to practice with,” he said.
The loss of our own football program has impacted other school groups as well. The merge has also affected Jericho’s Marching Band Program and the Jayettes dance program. Historically, both programs performed at football games. With no games, the Jayettes now perform at the Jericho High School varsity soccer games and the bands have winter musical events scheduled.
Curriculum Associate of Performing Arts Ms. Behr explained how the District is supporting alternatives for the band. “As a department, we have invested in chamber sheet music for the additional performance opportunities at District events. Students in chamber ensembles have been enthusiastic about performing for a variety of events throughout the district,” she said.
Junior marching band member Andrew R. will miss playing at halftime. “When I heard about the two schools combining I was a little disappointed because the band brought a certain energy to the field that excited players and fans during Jericho games,” he said.
After hearing about the change of plans for the Jayettes, junior dancer Tobi A. said, “ I don’t mind the change because we are still scheduled to play at the varsity soccer games. I feel that Jayettes are getting better every week, and we are excited to play in the winter during basketball games. We have some really special things planned in the future.”
Overall, the merger has been a win-win situation. The Oyster Bay-Jericho team is off to a 4-0 start, and Jericho High School players are pleased with the new arrangements. “ We are winning games, and we are playing well with a bigger roster. I couldn’t ask for any more,” said junior offensive lineman Charlie G.
Jericho students still showed glimpses of football spirit at the recent fall pep rally. Jericho football players were introduced along with the other fall teams, and entered the gym wearing Jericho jerseys.
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