WILLMAR, Minn. -- A west-central Minnesota small college suspended its football program for the remainder of the season due to concern for player safety.

Craig Johnson, president of Ridgewater College, said a depleted roster, which is down to 22 players from 54, forced the decision.

"The safety of our students, including our student-athletes, is our top concern," Johnson said in a press release. "Given the reduced size of our roster, we are concerned about players being in unfamiliar positions as this could increase the risk of injury. We did not make the decision lightly, but feel that it is in the best interests of our student-athletes."

Ridgewater ends the season 0-4 with four games left on the schedule, including two home games at Pederson Field in New London.

Thorstad said he, along with Johnson and the coaching staff, will continue to evaluate the circumstances around the program before making a decision on future seasons.

In the release, Johnson said a number of factors contributed to the roster decrease, including personal reasons, students withdrawing from the college and team suspensions.

Many of the 22 remaining players will file hardship requests with the NJCAA, the governing body of junior college athletics, in order to receive another year of eligibility.

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