How a cut varsity season impacts more than just Central's football team

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Students are continuing to voice their frustrations after the varsity football season was cut at Central High School.

"It really bums me out a lot," said senior Russell Fullington. "It bums a lot of people out."

Fullington is a drum major for the marching band at Central.

"They have to realize that football is essentially what starts the school season," Fullington said. "And without football, the entire school spirit in the district is destroyed."

He tells Ozarks First this decision doesn't only impact the football team, but the cheerleaders, Kilties and the band.

"We extended our marching band camp by a week this year, and it feels like that with this decision being made to cut the schedule, that it hurts our players even more because we're working a lot more for basically, essentially nothing," Fullington said.

Those groups will now not have a Friday night game to cheer on their team or rally a fan base.

At the time of this article, a decision has not been made regarding if the band will play at J.V. football games or if the cheerleaders will go to the home and away games.

"Our focus now is how are we going to give them opportunities on Friday nights or possibly a different night in order to showcase their talents," said SPS District Athletic Activities Director Joshua Scott.