Unadilla Valley and Gilbertsville-Mount Upton Central School Districts will collaborate on interscholastic athletics for the 2024-25 school year, continuing a partnership that for the last several years has expanded opportunities for students from both districts.
This fall, merged teams are expected to include varsity cross country, modified and varsity football and modified, JV and varsity boys soccer. The teams will also include JV and varsity girls volleyball. The schools will not merge for girls soccer. As always, student interest determines what levels of play will be available each season. The two schools will not merge for girls soccer this fall, as numbers for both programs are high.
Around our region and elsewhere in the state, smaller schools in rural areas struggle to field sports teams due to lack of player interest and, occasionally, difficulty finding coaches. In some cases, student-athletes have not been able to participate in their sport because there was no team in their home district and no merger arrangement with a neighboring district.
Interscholastic athletics provide an opportunity for students to learn teamwork, self-confidence and self-discipline, as well as the importance of hard work and fair play. School sports promote physical and mental wellness, and positive self-image. Studies from the National Federation of State High School Associations show there is a connection between interscholastic athletics and higher academic performance and school attendance, as well as fewer disciplinary problems. These studies have also shown that the number one reason students participate in sports is that it is fun and they can spend meaningful time with friends.
While the commitment to collaborate on interscholastic athletics is in place, the two districts will continue to work together on logistics to help make the fall sports season a success. As updated information becomes available, it will be communicated to you through the district office, the athletics department or individual coaches.
We wish all of our student-athletes from both districts the best of luck as they head into the fall sports season.