School officials are hoping to create a foundation to raise money to restore some of the programs.

Athletic Director Robert Wargo said the golf team and the winter cheerleading program will not be offered next year in addition to all junior varsity teams.

“We only have money to offer certain things,” Wargo told the school committee Thursday night. “The athletic program took a substantial hit.”

Previously eliminated were the hockey, volleyball and gymnastics programs as well as all freshman teams. The school did not offer gymnastics or volleyball last year because of lack of participation, and only two Randolph High students played hockey in a joint program with Blue Hills Regional School.

In the budget for the 2007-08 school year, funding for high school athletics was cut nearly in half, from $406,676 to $214,480. An annual athletic fee of $100 for participants was added.

Wargo said the athletic budget is so tight there is barely any money left for new equipment.

Efforts are under way to form a Randolph Sports Foundation to raise money to assist the program. Wargo said its purpose will be “to put things back in place that were eliminated due to budget cuts.”

Plans so far for the foundation call for a golf tournament and a raffle to raise money for the foundation, Wargo said.

School committee Chairman Larry Azer called the formation of the foundation “a great idea.”

“It’s long overdue,” Azer said.

Wargo said he has informed other athletic directors in the Patriot League about the efforts to raise money for junior varsity teams.

“They’re giving us as much time as possible” before completing their schedules.

He also told the committee the football team has been granted permission to plan an independent schedule this fall, a move aimed at eliminating lopsided defeats.

“We will find other schools that match up with us,” Wargo said.

Randolph will still play Rockland on Thanksgiving morning, which will be a home game this year.

Fred Hanson may be reached at fhanson@ledger.com.