Belfast, Genesee Valley exploring possibility of merging athletic programs beginning next school year
BELMONT — There has not been anything that has been set in stone, but the writing on the wall has begun about a possible merger between two Allegany County schools athletic programs.
It would mark the fourth possible merger across the Allegany and Steuben County area in the recent years, with Arkport and Canaseraga officially combining all sports to become the Wolves. After last school year, it was announced that Avoca and Prattsburgh would combine all athletic programs beginning this school year.
Around in Allegany County, in just boys soccer only, Andover and Whitesville will combine to field a team that will predominantly take the field in Andover this fall. As of now, both Belfast and Genesee Valley are combined in just two sports - girls volleyball and track.
Listed below, is the official press release provided by the Genesee Valley Central School District regarding the preliminary discussions involving the future of Jaguars athletics along with Belfast.
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**OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE**
Genesee Valley Central School (GVCS) and Belfast Central School are exploring the prospect of merging athletic programs beginning in the 2021-22 school year.
Representatives from both districts have met multiple times over the past year to review current and projected team numbers, and to evaluate the feasibility of merging programs.
”Belfast Central School is discussing merging athletic programs to increase opportunities for our students,” Belfast superintendent and athletic director Dr. Wendy Butler said. “The merger of programs will allow our students to play sports at an appropriate skill and age level throughout their athletic career.”
Tim Hand, the Genesee Valley School Board of Education President, commented: “We have witnessed the decline of athletic participation over the past several years and feel that it is time to look at all options to increase opportunities for student-athletes.”
Two meetings have been scheduled to further the conversation and bring other voices to the discussion. On October 1, a joint meeting will be held at Genesee Valley with the Board of Education Athletic Committees and Varsity coaches. A second meeting will convene at Belfast on October 15, where feedback from the communities will be sought out from each school district throughout the process.
”We are eager to meet with coaches, youth sports organizers, parents, students and other stakeholders in both communities,” Dr. Butler said. “The goal is to determine what steps makes the most sense for the students in both districts.”
Hand added, “We understand that there is a long standing pride in both communities and that change is never easy. However, we believe that joining forces may be the best way to secure a sustainable athletics program where competitive, age and skill-appropriate teams can be built and maintained.”
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WellsvilleSports.com will have more on this situation as it develops over time.
