Hollister High varsity football season canceled amid review of football program

Ricardo TovarHOLLISTER, Calif. —

The San Benito High School District has canceled the remainder of Hollister High School’s varsity football season, citing an ongoing review involving members of the football program.

In a letter to the school, Superintendent Shawn Tennenbaum said the district determined that the number of available student-athletes was not sufficient to safely field a team for the rest of the season.

“The district is currently reviewing a matter involving members of the varsity football program,” Tennenbaum wrote. “At this time, the number of available student-athletes is not sufficient to safely field a team for the remainder of the scheduled games.”

The district did not provide additional details, citing student privacy and the ongoing review. Officials said they will not comment on individual students, confidential matters or unverified information.

The decision comes after Hollister High School announced Thursday that its varsity football team would forfeit its scheduled game against Alisal High School at Andy Hardin Stadium.

The forfeiture came one week after the district said varsity football coach Thomas Sullivan was placed on leave while it conducted an investigation related to the football program. The district has not provided a reason for Sullivan’s leave or clarified what the investigation involves.

Longtime football coach Chris Cameron was previously named interim varsity head coach.