There is no joy in Fairfield, Conn., this fall--at least not for would-be varsity football players at Andrew Ward High School. Jack W. Coughlin, the school’s head football coach, disbanded the team because not enough students turned out to make up a squad.
“What happened basically was a problem of declining enrollment,” Mr. Coughlin said. “The numbers are down for various athletic teams” at the school, “but it really hit football.”
In addition, the coach said, he lost “eight kids playing in interior offensive and defensive lines,” including four of his five seniors, who gave up football for part-time jobs. Three other potential linemen moved out of the district.
The coach decided to concentrate his efforts this year on the junior-varsity players. Andrew Ward students will have a chance to play varsity football again next year, when the school merges with Roger Ludlowe High School, also located in Fairfield.
