JOINT PRESS RELEASE
Van Jr./Sr. High School and Boone County Schools
September 16, 2026
Van Jr./Sr. High School Discontinues Remainder of 2026 Football Season
After careful consideration, Van Jr./Sr. High School has made the difficult decision to discontinue the remainder of the 2026 football season.
The Bulldogs began the season with only 13 student-athletes, creating significant challenges from the outset. While our players and coaches approached every practice and game with determination and pride, the limited roster has made it increasingly difficult to safely sustain the program for the remainder of the season.
This decision was not made lightly. The health, safety, and well-being of our student-athletes must come before any game, season, or program.
We have tremendous admiration and appreciation for the coaches, staff members, parents, families, and community members who worked so hard to revitalize Van football and provide these young men with the opportunity to represent their school and community. Their commitment required countless hours, personal sacrifices, and an extraordinary amount of Bulldog pride. That effort should be recognized and celebrated, even though the season has ended earlier than anyone hoped.
Most importantly, we recognize our student-athletes. These young men chose to compete despite beginning the season with a very limited roster. They showed up, worked hard, supported one another, and represented Van with courage, resilience, sportsmanship, and determination. We are proud of them.
We also want to be clear that this situation is not the result of any one individual, decision, or group. There is no blame to place. This is an unfortunate circumstance resulting from participation numbers that are simply too low to responsibly continue the season.
Superintendent Allen Sexton fully supports the school's decision.
“I have tremendous admiration for the staff, coaches, families, community members, and especially the student-athletes who put so much effort into revitalizing the Van football program. Their commitment demonstrates how much Van and its traditions mean to this community. At the same time, the safety of our young men must always be our first priority. Given the limited number of available players, I support Principal Dent and the school's decision to discontinue the remainder of the season. No game or season is more important than the health and safety of our students.”
Principal Jennifer Dent expressed her appreciation for everyone who supported the program.
“This was an extremely difficult decision because we know how much football means to our students, families, and the Van community. I am incredibly proud of our players for the courage and determination they demonstrated and grateful to our coaches, families, staff, and community for everything they did to give our students this opportunity. Our responsibility, however, is first to the well-being of our students, and we believe this is the right decision for their safety.”
Although the 2026 football season has come to an unexpected end, Bulldog pride remains strong. We encourage our students, families, alumni, and community to continue supporting Van Jr./Sr. High School and all its student-athletes and programs.
We are grateful for the understanding and continued support of the Van community as we move forward together.