Marina
In a surprising turn of events, Chase High School in Rice County, Kansas, has canceled the remainder of its 2025 football season.
The decision comes after a series of injuries left the team unable to field a full roster, highlighting the challenges faced by small-school athletics.
Reasons Behind the Cancellation
The Chase High School 6-man football team began the season with high hopes but quickly encountered setbacks. Initially, the team had eight players, but injuries during the first game reduced the roster to six.
Attempts to add new players were unsuccessful due to eligibility rules, and by early October, only five players remained available to play. This shortage made it impossible to continue the season safely.
USD 401 Superintendent Kylee McDonald emphasized that the decision was made with the students’ well-being in mind.
“One of the biggest components for us as we worked through that was waiting for kids to see doctors,” McDonald stated. “If we had six athletes that wanted to play, we wanted to give them that opportunity.”
Season Overview
| Date | Opponent | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept 6 | Cunningham | Forfeit | Injuries depleted roster |
| Sept 13 | TBD | Forfeit | Unable to field team |
| Sept 20 | TBD | Forfeit | Continued injuries |
| Sept 27 | TBD | Forfeit | Season canceled |
Note: The team was 0-4 before the cancellation.
Community Reaction
The decision has sparked mixed reactions within the community. Some parents, like Lucas MacLaren, believe the situation could have been avoided.
“I think if they would’ve forfeited the first game and let the kids that were banged up heal up, they would have had the full team and they’d be in a lot better situation for sure,” MacLaren commented.
He also mentioned transferring his two sons from Chase High School due to concerns over safety and the handling of injuries.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges this season, the district is optimistic about the future. Plans are already in place to recruit more players and strengthen the program for the upcoming season.
The community remains supportive, with many looking forward to the return of high school football next year.
The cancellation of Chase High School’s football season underscores the importance of player safety and the difficulties small schools face in maintaining athletic programs.
While this season has ended prematurely, the focus remains on the health of the student-athletes and the hope for a stronger team in the future.