The Schalmont High School football program has taken a bold step forward by merging with the former Helderberg Valley schools of Duanesburg and Berne‑Knox‑Westerlo, adding eight varsity athletes to a squad that now counts 32 players while remaining in Class B.
A New Chapter for the Eagles
Veteran head coach Joe Whipple, who guided Schalmont to five Section 2 Class B championships between 2009 and 2014 and previously led Bishop Gibbons before it dropped varsity competition, is optimistic that the newcomers will become immediate contributors on both sides of the ball.
The merger builds on a recent history in which Duanesburg and Berne‑Knox‑Westerlo operated together as Helderberg Valley, fielding their last varsity team in 2023 before the combined program dissolved.
Among the new faces, senior captain Austin Teetsel, a four‑year starter, and junior JJ Reese, who helped Duanesburg’s baseball team capture the 2026 Class D state title, have already voiced enthusiasm about their new roles and the welcoming atmosphere at Schalmont.
Key Additions Bring Experience and Versatility
Coach Whipple expects at least three of the newly integrated players to emerge as starters on offense or defense, citing their size, speed, and football IQ as assets that could reshape the team’s competitive edge.
The influx of talent has also strengthened the program’s depth at the junior‑varsity and modified levels, where the merged schools contributed seven and ten players respectively, fostering a culture of camaraderie and mutual support that promises to carry over into the varsity schedule.