Reedsburg Area High School cancels first two football games amid investigation

REEDSBURG, Wis. -- The Reedsburg Area High School football team will not take the field on Friday. Administrators announced Thursday that the game against River Valley is canceled along with next week's game against DeForest.

School District of Reedsburg administrators said "an investigation into a matter in the community has left the varsity program unable to safely field a team for the first two games of this season."

The district would not provide further information on the matter, citing confidentiality for issues involving students.

"We have full confidence that Coach Zenz and his staff will continue to work hard on behalf of our kids to keep them motivated and engaged during the time we will not be competing on Friday nights," Reedsburg Athletic Director Aaron May said. "We are currently working to ensure that the JV and Freshman games in these weeks will continue as scheduled."

Friday's game at River Valley was set to be the Beavers' season opener. Next week's game against DeForest was going to be the first home game of the year.

"We are devastated that many of our student athletes will be missing out on contests. In particular, we empathize with our seniors who will be facing a shortened season this year," RAHS Principal Katie Mathews said. "However, above all we are a teaching and learning institution. While this, without question, is a painful learning experience, we will never compromise the integrity of the Reedsburg Area High School or its students, staff, and families, and we will not let it define us."

Provided the rest of their schedule remains unchanged, the Beavers are set to return to play on Sept. 6 against Central High School at UW-La Crosse.

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