Hollister Football Season Canceled
Hollister High School cancels remainder of varsity football season amid ongoing district review.
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Key Points
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The district announced the investigation and placed coach Thomas Sullivan on paid administrative leave on Sept. 10; longtime Hollister coach Chris Cameron was then named interim coach, and the team won its next game.
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Pacific Coast Athletic League commissioner Tim McCarthy said the cancellation effectively gives each league school a varsity win and leaves Hollister with a 3-7 record, while avoiding uneven league records that could result from rescheduling individual games.
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The San Benito County District Attorney’s Office said it was not involved in the matter but was monitoring the situation.
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Current Hollister players publicly expressed support for Sullivan through the hashtag “#FreeSully” while he remained on administrative leave.
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The district’s scheduled meeting was set for 7 p.m. at Davis Library at Hollister High School, where parents were expected to speak about the football program and the decision to end the season.
Hollister High School has canceled the remainder of its 2026 varsity football season after the San Benito High School District found the team does not have enough available players to safely compete. The decision comes following an ongoing district investigation and the placement of head coach Thomas Sullivan on paid administrative leave in early September. The team had started the season 3-0 before the cancellation.
The district has released few details about the investigation, citing student privacy and the integrity of the review process. Former and current players and parents have alleged a history of hazing involving fights or attacks on younger players, though those claims have not been independently confirmed. The Hollister Police Department said it has received no related reports about the allegations.
Investigation and Administrative Leave Trigger Season Halt
The San Benito High School District announced the investigation and placed Sullivan on paid administrative leave on September 10. Longtime Hollister coach Chris Cameron took over as interim coach, and the team won its next game. However, the ongoing review eventually forced the district to conclude the roster could not field a safe team for the remainder of the season.
Before the investigation and coaching change, Hollister had posted a 3-0 record and appeared positioned for a strong season. The investigation's scope and specific findings remain unclear, as district officials have declined to release details to protect student privacy.
League Commissioner Awards Wins to Avoid Unfair Rescheduling
Pacific Coast Athletic League commissioner Tim McCarthy said the cancellation gives each league school a varsity win against Hollister. This approach prevents uneven league records that could result if individual games were rescheduled against different opponents. The decision leaves Hollister with a final record of 3-7 for the season.
The team had already forfeited a scheduled game against Alisal before the season cancellation was announced. Junior varsity and freshman football teams are expected to continue playing their seasons.
Players Rally Behind Sullivan With Social Media Campaign
Current Hollister players publicly expressed support for coach Sullivan while he remained on administrative leave. Players used the hashtag #FreeSully on social media to show solidarity with their head coach during the uncertainty surrounding the investigation.
The student-led show of support underscores divisions over the investigation and its impact on the football program. The district has not commented on the players' campaign or addressed their concerns directly.
District to Address Community at Public Meeting on Football Program
The San Benito High School District scheduled a public meeting for 7 p.m. at Davis Library at Hollister High School. Parents and community members were expected to speak about the football program and the decision to cancel the remainder of the varsity season.
The San Benito County District Attorney's Office said it is not involved in the matter but is monitoring the situation. The public meeting represented an opportunity for the district to explain its reasoning and answer questions from families affected by the season cancellation.
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