The football game between Rochester and Centralia originally scheduled for Friday, Oct. 23, has been canceled due to a “credible” threat and safety concerns.
The Rochester School District announced the cancellation on its Facebook page.
“The safety of our students, staff, families, and community is always our highest priority,” Rochester School District Superintendent Justin Black and Centralia School District Superintendent Lisa Grant said in a joint statement. “This afternoon, a student reported a potential threat involving tonight’s football game between Rochester High School and Centralia High School to a Centralia School District Administrator. Following an investigation, the threat has been determined to be credible.
“Based on the information available at this time, both districts mutually made the difficult decision to cancel tonight’s football game between Rochester and Centralia.
“We understand that this news may be concerning and disappointing for our students, families, athletes, and community members. However, when it comes to the safety of those we serve, we will also err on the side of caution. No athletic event is more important than the well-being of our students and communities.”
The statement also recognized the student, who was not named, who reported the concern.
“Speaking up when something doesn’t seem right is an important part of keeping our schools and communities safe,” the statement read. “We encourage all students and families to continue reporting any information that could impact the safety of others.”
The statement also said that the two districts are looking at options for rescheduling the game, and it said that more updates will be provided on a potential reschedule when they are available.
Earlier this month, the Rochester School District acknowledged the rumors of a separate potential threat involving middle school students from Rochester and Oakville, but after an investigation by local law enforcement, those threats were “unfounded and not credible.”
“Nothing is more important to us than the safety and well-being of our students and staff, a statement from the district’s Facebook page said on Oct. 13. “We will never compromise when it comes to the safety of those who attend and work in our schools.”
