Hazing Allegation Prompts Pause in Hoosac Football Program

CHESHIRE, Mass. -- Hoosac Valley High School has postponed this weekend’s football games following a reported alleged hazing incident involving a large number of football players, the athletic director announced Friday afternoon.

 

On Thursday evening, a situation was reported to the Director of Athletics, who immediately brought the matter to the attention of school administration. Because the football program operates as a cooperative team involving Hoosac Valley, Mount Greylock, and Drury, administrators from all three districts have been involved in responding to the situation.

 

Following an initial review, the appropriate law enforcement authorities were notified and an investigation was initiated. Given the serious nature of the allegations and while the investigation is ongoing, all parties have determined that the football program will be paused until further notice.

 

As a result, Saturday’s varsity game against Taconic has been postponed, as has the junior varsity game scheduled for Monday. The pause also includes all football practices until the investigation has been completed.

 

In response to an inquiry from iBerkshires.com, Hoosac Valley and Drury Athletic Director Jeff Puleri said that it is too soon to say whether the scheduled varsity game against Taconic will go into the books as a forfeit in favor of the Thunder for MIAA post-season seeding purposes if the game cannot be rescheduled.

 

"The MIAA has to rule on all forfeits," Puleri wrote in an email. "It's not as simple as stating as such. I do think it will be extremely difficult to make up ... but premature to suggest that."

 

Puleri said that neither Hurricanes' coach nor any of its players were available to comment on Friday.

 

"Unfortunately, given the nature of the situation, we have to let the investigation run its course," he said.

 

The districts will provide additional information as appropriate as the investigation progresses, the news release read. The safety and well being of our students is our number one priority.