Barton Football Program Reinstated
posted 11:33 am Thu October 04, 2007 - Phillips County
The bears will complete their season after the school board voted unanimously Wednesday night to reinstate the football program.
Like many towns in Arkansas, Barton loves football and many people there were thrilled with Wednesday night's decision.
It took just six hands to reinstate the Barton football program and erupt the crowd into cheers.(Zachary Monroe, High School junior)"We worked so hard all week going and getting about 580 signature and it paid off...I mean we wanted to play and show everyone we wanted to play and prove it and I think the school board saw that."
On September 27th the Barton High School administration announced it would cancel the remainder of the football season due to lack of participation and injury. The team counts 14 healthy players and administrators are concerned about safety.
Still with a petition of names in favor of continuing the season in front of them, the school board said the benefit to the community outweighs safety concerns.
(Roxie Wilson, School Board)"That’s just a risk you take when you sign your child up to play sports. That's just the risk you take."
But even with the football program reinstated, Superintendent Roy Kirkland says the team could still run into some problems since they have already cancelled games with future opponents.
Officials or not, this group didn't appear to care.
(Monroe)"Everybody in this town loves Barton football. That's what this town is all about and this school."
The Barton Bears have four games remaining in the season and the currently 2 and 2.
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