By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium
Garfield High School’s varsity football team will forfeit its next two scheduled games, including this Friday’s matchup against Eastside Catholic and the highly anticipated “Hood Bowl” against Rainier Beach on Sept. 27, due to a depleted roster and player injuries.
The Metro League confirmed the forfeitures Wednesday, citing multiple injuries sustained during Garfield’s game against Ballard last week. According to Seattle Public Schools Athletics Director Tara Davis, the team lacks enough healthy players to safely field a varsity squad.
“Last week, the Garfield Football Program sustained several injuries on the field. Garfield currently does not have the numbers to field a varsity program and is awaiting an injury report to determine if they can complete the varsity season this year,” Davis said in a memo obtained by The Seattle Medium. “Out of an abundance of caution for player safety, Garfield will forfeit their next two football contests. Please know this decision was not made lightly, but determined to be in the best interest of our student-athletes.”
In addition to the news of Garfield’s forfeitures, Rainier Beach is experiencing an abrupt change of its own. After an incredible 11-year tenure, Head Football Coach Corey Sampson announced that he is stepping down from his role with the team, effective immediately.
In a statement shared via social media, Sampson reflected on his time with the program and expressed deep gratitude for the support that he received from the community over the years.
“While I am stepping away from this role, my ‘why,’ my purpose, hasn’t changed. I remain passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of others. That mission continues, just in a different way now,” Sampson said.
“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the administration, faculty, students, and community for your unwavering support. To my amazing coaching staff, former players, and current athletes, thank you for your commitment, your heart, and your belief in our football program,” he continued. “I am incredibly proud of what we have built together, both on and off the field. The memories, relationships, and lessons we’ve shared will stay with me forever.”
“This next chapter is about being present. It’s time for me to focus on my children and grandchildren. I’m looking forward to creating more memories with them and being there in ways I couldn’t always be before,” Sampson concluded.
