Football, extracurricular activities to resume at Fort Campbell amid government shutdown

After the involvement of Sen. Mitch McConnell, DoDEA schools are permitted to resume regular activities in the government shutdown.

By Christian County Now October 7, 2025 5:37 pm

Christian County NowCrittenden County High School defeats the Ft. Campbell Falcons. November 8, 2024 (Jeff Danault)

FORT CAMPBELL, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The Department of Defense has made the decision to allow athletics and extracurricular activities to resume at DoDEA schools amid the ongoing government shutdown, according to a news release from U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell.

“This decision provides welcome relief to the Fort Campbell and Fort Knox schools and their students, student-athletes, parents, and everyone who supports their school programs,” said a statement from Sen. McConnell on Oct. 7.

This comes less than a week after the Fort Campbell Falcons shared that they may have to forfeit their scheduled regional game against Trigg County, putting their chance at the playoffs at risk as all games and practices were canceled. The school’s homecoming dance was also rescheduled for a later date.

That same day Sen. McConnell sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth urging him to quickly grant DoDEA schools “excepted status.” At that time the game was rescheduled for Oct. 30. There is no confirmation at this time if there will be another change in their game schedule.

“I want to thank the Secretary of Defense for creating an exception to allow athletics and extracurricular activities at DoDEA schools to continue,” continued Sen. McConnell. “Our servicemembers and their children shouldn’t pay the price for Washington’s failure to fund the government. I’m so grateful they’ll now be able to suit up and get back in the game.”