A Long Island high school has canceled the remainder of its football season after a fire deemed "criminal" in nature destroyed the team's practice gear, school officials and police tell NBC 4 New York.
The fire in an equipment shed behind the bleachers at Wyandanch Memorial High School Thursday also destroyed practice gear for the track team, though it's not expected to impact the spring track season.
"This is the worst football season, I think, in Wyandanch history," said junior Quanel Robinson. "Filled with so much confusion, hurt, craziness."
No injuries were reported.
The fire is the latest in a string of issues at the high school. Earlier this month, two teenagers from North Amityville were stabbed behind the bleachers after Wyandanch's homecoming game against Southampton. A 21-year-old was arrested on assault charges.
Also this month, at least five varsity football players were suspended amid an investigation into bullying pranks in the hallway. They missed two days of classes but were not barred from playing football.
The varsity football team has been winless in seven games.
Track athlete Kataya Hubbard said the team doesn't have many other resources.
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"I felt hurt because we don't have a lot of equipment, not a lot of stuff," she said.
Replacing the lost gear won't be easy, but track coach Patricia Taylor said the team will move forward and "this will bring us closer together."
Despite not taking the field Saturday, the football team will be credited with a victory because its opponent, Mattituck High School, has forfeited the game.
