LIVINGSTON MANOR – The 2023-24 school year will bring about many changes for the two smallest districts in Sullivan County, especially in the realm of athletics.

These changes first became apparent when Roscoe’s first budget proposal failed, and the second included cuts to athletics. Due to the budget constraints, rather than the merged programs of past years that saw merged teams in both Roscoe and Livingston Manor uniforms, this year we will see Livingston Manor as the host school in all sports.

Alongside the change in uniform, Roscoe will only be able to provide a half shuttle for student athletes this year. This means that students will have a ride from Roscoe at the conclusion of the school day, but will need to be picked up from Livingston Manor by parents or guardians after practice.

“All of the sports are going to be merged this year,” Livingston Manor/Roscoe Athletic Director Dave Eggleton said. “Even the four sports that previously did not have merged programs.”

Another change for the upcoming season is the introduction of a Modified Volleyball, a first for both Roscoe and Livingston Manor.

“Other schools, like Liberty, have had Volleyball for decades, and there is a lot of interest at the modified level,” Eggleton said. “Though there is still a risk of injury, it is a much lower impact sport when compared to soccer and football, which is a concern that some parents had.”

The merged 8-Man Football team will be young, with many of the players getting their first taste of varsity action.

“They’re going to have a great opportunity to learn some of the skills of the game, but it will most likely be a rebuilding year for the team,” Eggleton said. “The Varsity Soccer program is returning a veteran team under Coach Fitzpatrick. She has a great bond with the student-athletes and they’re excited for the season.”