Leading off today: Syracuse University coach Greg Robinson said junior tight end Tom Ferron from Clyde-Savannah has quit football, The Post-Standard reported.

   Ferron reportedly nearly left the Orangemen before the 2006 season but was convinced to stay on. Ferron led the '06 Orangemen with 30 catches for 351 yards and two touchdowns. It was the first time a tight end had led the Orange in receptions since 1980, when Tony Sidor did it.

   Separately, Justin Schifano has decided to leave the University of Michigan program. It is unclear whether the offensive lineman, a 2004 all-stae selection at Webster Schroeder, will remain in school.

   Grand Island reportedly done: The Niagara Gazette reports that Grand Island will have a new boys basketball coach this season because Chris Simpson is unlikely to be retained.

   The paper said Simpson, 36, and AD Jon Roth refused comment.

   Simpson has spent 10 years at Grand Island, nine as the varsity coach. Before than, he was on Pat Monti's staff at Niagara LaSalle.

   The paper said sources indicate Simpson was the subject of complaints to school superintendent Robert Christman and other administrators.

   Simpson teaches in the business department at Grand Island and has also coached boys and girls track.

   The men in stripes: Officiating is a little bit like the weather -- everyone complains about it, but no one does anything to change it. Well, if you like football and live downstate this may be your chance to get involved.

   The Westchester County Football Officials Association will conduct its annual training session beginning Wednesday and continuing through Aug. 15.

   The total commitment is four nights of 2 1/2-hour classes to cover the high school rule book and the mechanics of officiating. Applicants must be high school graduates and residents of or full-time employees in Westchester or Putnam counties.

   Officials earn about $95 for varsity games and about $65 for JVs. Youth league assignments vary from anywhere between $30 to $50.

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