Gull Lake High School in Michigan announced that it will not field a varsity football team for the 2026 season, a decision driven by safety concerns raised by players and a pending investigation into alleged assaults at a team camp.
The allegations, which involve incidents at a football camp in Oceana County, have drawn the attention of Michigan State Police, who are conducting a criminal investigation but have released no public details. The school district noted that the program had struggled with performance, having lost 18 consecutive games over the past two seasons and being outscored 427‑159 in nine games last fall.
In July, head coach Jalon Simpson was placed on paid administrative leave, and interim coach Josh Cunningham assumed leadership of the program. Players voiced their concerns during a meeting with Cunningham, ultimately influencing the administration’s choice to suspend the varsity schedule.
Community Reaction and Future Plans
Superintendent Drew Bordner explained that the district lacked sufficient players to field a safe varsity team, while acknowledging the disappointment felt by seniors and families who had anticipated a final season of competition. The junior varsity squad will continue to play, and the school is exploring alternative activities to fill the fall calendar.
The cancellation wipes out three scheduled varsity matchups, including games against Marshall on August 27, Coldwater on September 3 and Battle Creek Central on October 16. With the investigation still underway, the district expects further updates as authorities progress in their inquiry.