Community Comes Together After Tensas High School Football Program Shuts Down

NEWELLTON, La. (KNOE) — Local residents convened on April 29 to talk about the Tensas Parish School Board's choice to end the football program at Tensas High School starting next year.

"We ought to have been informed prior to them making this choice. The decision was rushed and they failed to take the necessary steps beforehand, which should have happened before presenting it at the school board meeting," stated Deloris Gentry, who is a community member.

The local residents were stunned after the school board made their decision.

Knola Ransome, a board member present at the meeting, stated that the choice was made because of insufficient involvement, financial constraints, and concerns over safety.

"I believe last year we might have had some female participants who were involved, and during our discussions, we expressed concerns about the possibility of these women getting injured. We wanted to avoid having that issue within the football team," explained Ransome.

Brittanee Gibson, whose child plays football for Tensas High School, organized the gathering as a reaction to the school board's plan to deliberate over their strategies to have the program restored.

The community has already initiated a move to attract more attendees to the upcoming school board meeting scheduled for May 8.

"We simply need to make everyone aware that we won’t accept things passively, and this is merely a part of our stance. Even if it doesn’t change anything, at least we made an effort," stated Gibson.

Gibson remembered her response to the voting outcome.

"After observing him play, I've come to adore the sport, and having it suddenly snatched away now that I've developed this affection for it seems almost traitorous. He feels similarly about losing it," stated Gibson.

Gibson stated that maintaining a football team within the parish is crucial for continuing the traditions of the community.

"I understand that we don't receive much recognition for what goes on here, and it feels like part of a losing team. However, I'm aware that many believe it's solely about football, yet it encompasses far more than just that. It's about maintaining this legacy," stated Gibson.

Ransome mentioned that possessing a football squad unites the neighborhood, and she feels it would be prudent for the board to reassess their choice.

“As both school board members and community members, we must improve our efforts in supporting our young men so that they can fully represent Tensas Parish with dedication,” stated Ransome.

The upcoming school board meeting will take place on May 8 at 5 p.m. at the Tensas Parish School Board Media Center.