Wolcott football has forfeited its Friday night game to Sacred Heart/Kaynor Tech after some players responsible for damaging the visiting locker room at St. Paul didn’t come forward.
Wolcott Superintendent of Schools Tony Gasper gave the offending players until Wednesday to turn themselves in, and only two players did so. Others who caused damage to the St. Paul locker room didn’t turn themselves in, and that’s what led to the forfeit, which was announced via a letter on Thursday.
“It is regrettable that the other student-athletes themselves have decided not to take the honorable path and therefore have forced the unfortunate outcome of this matter,” said the letter, which was co-signed by Gasper, Wolcott High School Principal Walter Drewry and Athletic Director Tanya Adorno. “The Board and the administration regret that this is the outcome we have reached and were truly hopeful that the other responsible players and their families would have come forward for the good of the team.”
Holy Cross stepped forward with a plan to recognize Wolcott’s seniors before their Thanksgiving morning game at Alumni Field. The Wolcott senior cheerleaders will also be recognized at that game.
“We thank the Holy Cross leadership for their cooperation on this issue,” the letter said.
Eagle marching band seniors will be recognized at the boys basketball Senior Night during the winter. They will also have a celebratory dinner and informal performance on Friday.
Wolcott was ranked sixth in Class M with a 6-2 record, but will be on the outside looking in following the forfeit. The letter states that the investigation is not over.
“If further information comes to light, we will take appropriate action,” the letter said. “This includes looking deeply into the actions of our coaches who were charged with the supervision of these students at the time(s) that the damage occurred. We continue to plan for financial restitution and community service on the part of the team.”
The alleged damage occurred on Oct. 26 when Wolcott played a road game at St. Paul Catholic High School.