Tupper Lake Poised to Return to 11-man Football After Years in Eight-Man League
New York’s Tupper Lake Central School District is strongly considering a return to 11-man football next season, a move that would mark the first time the Lumberjacks have competed at that level as 2017, with a brief exception during the spring 2021 season impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The potential shift was discussed at length during the TLCSD Board of Education’s December 1st meeting, signaling a meaningful change for the school’s athletic program.
Superintendent Jaycee Welsh shared with the board that she had engaged with 19 stakeholders – primarily parents of current and prospective student-athletes – over recent weeks to gauge support for the transition. According to Welsh, 17 of those stakeholders expressed favor for returning to 11-man football, citing lengthy travel times for away games as a major deterrent to family and community support under the current eight-man format.
The district initially explored the possibility at its November 3rd board meeting, outlining the advantages and disadvantages of both formats and emphasizing a commitment to clarity throughout the decision-making process. However, concerns were raised at that time by the Lumberjacks’ varsity football head coach, Dennis Klossner, who cautioned that the school might not sustain sufficient student-athlete numbers in the long run if they moved up to 11-man football. A report detailing the November meeting is available at tinyurl.com/yc4ez6s7.
Welsh reiterated to the board on December 1st that no immediate action was required,but emphasized the importance of thorough discussion given the potential impact on the district. “This is a big change for the customary program,” she stated, “So we just want to make sure [they] have the opportunity to hear both sides.”
School board Vice President Jason Rolley, referencing Klossner’s earlier concerns, questioned the long-term sustainability of the move. “They said three, four years we’re good [but] in six years, are we down to no participants again?” he asked.
welsh responded that the district’s research, conducted with TLCSD Athletic Director Hayden LaMere, indicated a high degree of versatility in switching between eight- and 11-man football. LaMere added, “I think we’re really confident that we have the numbers for next year, and then at least the next three or four years.” He explained that preliminary discussions with students indicated a willingness to participate if the program switched to 11-man football,with reduced travel time being a significant factor. “I think the number of peopel that will support our athletes, I think you’ll see an increase in that, because it’s no longer three-and-a-half hours to get to – not every contest – but a lot of contests.”
Board member Mary Ellen Chamberlain expressed enthusiasm for the potential to renew rivalries with teams like Saranac Lake,with whom the Lumberjacks last competed for the Mayor’s Cup in the spring of 2021. The two schools last played a full-length season game in 2014.
Board President Jane Whitmore inquired about the level of support among student-athletes themselves. LaMere responded confidently, stating, “I think we’re really confident that we have the numbers for next year, and then at least the next three or four years.” He explained that preliminary discussions with students indicated a willingness to participate if the program switched to 11-man football, with reduced travel time being a significant factor.
Adding to the positive outlook, Adirondack Football League Commissioner for Tupper Lake, Maegan kavanagh, noted the strong numbers in youth football, with around 50 participants, suggesting a promising pipeline for the varsity team. “Just the increased numbers in [Tupper Lake youth football] and how much the kids love it, I think your not going to have a problem,” Kavanagh said. “And these parents pay out of pocket for [youth football].They do everything on thier own. We don’t have boosters. so, if they’re doing that [now], they’re going to do it when they’re being supported.”
Welsh further emphasized the consistency with feeder programs, noting that they already operate using 11-man football rules. Notably, no one in attendance at the December meeting voiced opposition to the proposed change.
Sports Editor Parker O’Brien in Saranac Lake contributed to this report.
