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Slideshow: A School Without Sports

In a rare move in a state where the football field is hallowed turf, Premont ISD has suspended all athletics — including football — to improve its struggling finances. But the decision has brought little backlash from the community in South Texas, perhaps a measure of how dire the school's circumstances have become.

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Premont ISD is terminating its athletics programs to save money and focus on academics as it tries to meet drastic improvements required by the state. Photography by Eddie Seal for The Texas Tribune.

A Premont High School Cowboy sign at the town square intersection of Highway 281 and First St. in Premont Texas.


Premont ISD's Jimmy Livingston Memorial Stadium in Premont, TX.


Premont High School's gymnasium.


Premont High School's non functioning science labs have been closed for two years by the health department due to mold.


Students gather in the main concourse at the end of the school day on Tuesday at Premont High School.


Premont High School student and basketball team member Ricky Sanchez, 17, attends class on Tuesday.


Premont ISD's superintendent Ernest Singleton keeps a success board on the wall of his office to track requirements that need to be met by the end of 2012 to keep the district afloat.


Fans watch one of Premont High School's last varsity basketball games on Tuesday.


Premont High's Cowboys beat the Hebronville Longhorns 44 to 39 in Tuesday's game .


Premont High School Cowboys' cheerleaders at one of Premont's last basketball games.


The Premont Cowboys beat the Hebronville Longhorns 44 to 39.


Premont High School cheerleader Stacy Morales. 17 and student basketball team member Ernesto Gonzalez leave the gym after Tuesday's game.


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