Varsity boys soccer ends after alcohol policy violated

The Columbia Falls boys soccer varsity season is over after a number of players violated the school's alcohol policy.

The incident apparently happened during the team's Sept. 3-4 trip to Livingston and Belgrade.

"They're good kids who made a bad decision," said School Superintendent Michael Nicosia.

Nicosia said student privacy laws prohibited him from discussing details of the incident, though not all the players were involved.

Seven of the 21 players apparently were not suspended and there is the possibility they could play seven-on-seven games with others teams if those teams are willing to do so.

Athletic Director John Thompson said the school was working on that possibility. Those games would not be varsity however. The varsity schedule has been forfeited.

The student alcohol policy has a 30 school days suspension penalty, so in effect, the boys' varsity soccer season is over.

The alcohol policy prohibits the "use, possession or being under the influence of alcohol, drugs, marijuana, unauthorized prescription medication or other mind or mood altering substances … while in attendance on school property, while going to or coming from school, during lunch period whether on or off campus and during or while going to or coming from a school sponsored activity. A school sponsored activity includes games and events both at home and at other schools or venues."