Westfield-Brocton cancels remainder of football season (Updated)

Sep 24, 2013 7:53 AM

Dave Rowley, News Director

Following last week's death of a Brocton High School junior from a football related injury, the Westfield School Board has decided to cancel the remainder of the combined Westfield and Brocton Football team's season. Damon Janes died from an injury he suffered during a game at Portville on September 13th. The decision was during a meeting of the Westfield School Board last night.

Photo by the Observer

Here is statement posted on Westfield Academy and Central School website:

The Westfield Academy and Central School Board of Education unanimously approved a recommendation by the superintendent to cancel the remaining 2013 Varsity Football season during their September 23, 2013 meeting.

The pending motion was shared with players from both teams at a team meeting on Monday. During the meeting, players shared creative and positive ways to honor Damon Janes through our athletic programs and school communities for the remainder of the year and into the future. This will be a student driven effort and allow Damon’s friends and teammates to continue the grieving process off of the playing field.

Both Brocton and Westfield continue to offer support to students and players through district counseling departments. For parents and family members in need of assistance, grief counseling is available through several agencies and local churches.

Section VI has been notified of District’s decision to not complete the season.