Columbia High School football team forfeits game after code of conduct violation

Columbia High School has forfeited its football game against Troy High School following an off-campus incident involving student-athletes. The decision by the East Greenbush Central School District ends the undefeated team's chance to achieve a 5-0 start for the first time in program history.

The forfeit follows an investigation by the East Greenbush Police Department into an alleged underage drinking party that occurred at a private residence on September 26. While the school district did not explicitly label the event as a drinking party in its official statement, it confirmed that student-athletes from multiple sports violated the district's athletic code of conduct.

District officials stated that consequences are being administered in accordance with established standards for behavior and academics. The district emphasized that the situation serves as an ‘opportunity for learning and growth’ and noted that all athletes and guardians agree to these conduct standards at the beginning of the season.