One day after the Queensbury Board of Education narrowly voted 5-4 to not move forward with high-risk winter sports like basketball and ice hockey, Jimmy Fitzgerald and his classmates marched their frustrations to the front steps of the high school.

“I was pretty sad when I found out we weren’t able to play, and I think it was the wrong choice, in my opinion,” said Fitzgerald, a senior on the school’s hockey team.

Fitzgerald said many student athletes went out of their way to stay healthy before a potential season, only to have it taken away.

“We’ve been very patient and safe about this stuff,” Fitzgerald said. “We’ve worn our masks, and I went fully virtual just so I could stay healthy and play a season.”

Students said the decision comes as a shock since Warren County’s COVID-19 positivity rate is below the 4 percent threshold set by several local health departments. Many nearby schools are moving forward with high-risk sports.

“Glens Falls is one of our rivals, and they can play and we can’t, so it’s just a bummer,” said Raeonna Murphy, a sophomore who plays lacrosse and volleyball.

District Superintendent Kyle Gannon and other administrators stood nearby as the students continued their walkout.

“Obviously, when your students do a peaceful protest, you want to support your students, you want to hear your students,” Gannon said.

He said his staff submitted an operational plan that would’ve allowed high-risk sports to resume, but the board ultimately wasn’t in favor.

“We have a great board of education,” Gannon said. “It’s really difficult. Our board weighed a lot of options.”

After the protest, Gannon, the school’s principal, and athletic director, planned to meet with student-athlete leaders to hear their concerns, but he said the board of education has given no indication that they’ll reconsider.

“At this point in time, I’m unaware of any upcoming meeting,” he said.

The outcome is especially disappointing to seniors, who are now likely to miss out on their final season.

“I’ve been playing sports since I was 5 years old,” said senior Jason Rodriguez, a standout on both Queensbury’s football and basketball teams. “You really don’t understand how much something means to you until you can’t play it anymore.”

Christina Cummings, who’s committed to playing soccer at St. Michael’s College next fall, said, “being able to have that outlet where you can get out on the field and do what you love, it’s important during these times, especially after we’ve lost so muc."

Despite the uncertainty about their athletic futures, many remain hopeful their voices will be heard.

“I hope our teachers and the administration can stand behind us in this decision,” said Katie Johnson, a senior on the lacrosse team.

Senior Devon Salone said, “we’re making a pretty strong statement, and I feel this will make an impact.”