Two-hour meeting focuses on status of CMHS football

Administrators at Cheyenne Mountain High School in Colorado Springs made no final decision Tuesday night about the status of their varsity football program.

A group of 25 parents met for more than two hours with administrators and the coaching staff — asking questions, expressing concerns and offering suggestions.

The team forfeited the second half of one game, and its final two games, because of injuries and a lower-than-usual number of students who tried out for the team.

Chris and Melanie Samuelson, who have a son on the team, said they’re concerned about its future.

“It’s important not just right now, but for the future of our two other sons who may want to play football,” they said.

The Samuelsons said many parents are reluctant to let their sons play football because injuries and the team’s 1-9 record took the fun out of the game.

Some parents suggest the school drop to a lower classification to avoid being dominated by stronger opponents. Athletic Director Kris Roberts said that’s a possibility he’ll consider but it couldn’t happen until 2016.

Parents and administrators said the larger issue is determining why so many kids are not going out for football, and avoiding the low numbers that led to injuries and forfeits this season.

“I think 75 is the magic number,” Roberts said. “But if we can just get 60 on the team, we should be fine.”

After the meeting, most parents said they felt more optimistic about the team’s future.