Columbia Falls boys forfeit soccer season

 Columbia Falls activities director John Thompson has announced that the Wildcats' boys varsity soccer team will forfeit the remainder of its matches this season.

The move follows a school investigation that resulted in the majority of the varsity team members being suspended for violating the school's alcohol, tobacco and drug policy during a recent road trip to play matches in Livingston and Belgrade.

Columbia Falls was scheduled to play Libby on Saturday, but that match was forfeited.

Columbia Falls was 0-3-1 on the season.

"We have an alcohol, tobacco and drug policy like all schools do," Thompson said.

"At every preseason meeting, fall, winter and spring, I talk about that policy. The policy is put in not as a punishment, but as a deterrent. It's a chance for kids to be involved in our activities and a way for them to say ‘no' to outside pressure."

The incident involved alcohol on Sept. 3 during the team's stay in Bozeman. Columbia Falls had played Livingston earlier that day, and was scheduled to play Belgrade the following day.

Thompson said stories began circulating the following week in school. Those student-athletes involved admitted to school officials they had violated the policy.

"The kids who violate the policy serve a 30-school-day suspension," Thompson said.

"We couldn't postpone games and play them later. That wouldn't work for other schools."

Thus, the remainder of the season was canceled.

Thompson said he notified the MHSA of Columbia Falls' decision.

"In the end, it's a very unfortunate situation for a number of kids who didn't violate the policy," Thompson said.

"It's unfortunate for coach (Peter) Browne. He's a very successful coach, he works hard, he provides opportunities for our kids to compete at a high level in soccer."