Controversy Surrounds Football Program Shake-Up in Philadelphia Catholic League
A recent decision to elevate the football programs of Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast and Cardinal O’Hara in the Philadelphia Catholic League has sparked discontent among parents and alumni. The move, which places these schools into a higher division, is met with strong opposition, with concerns raised about safety issues for the student-athletes.
Unhappy Stakeholders
Parents and alumni, particularly those associated with O’Hara and Bonner-Prendie, express their frustration and dissatisfaction with the decision made in early November. They argue that this shift into a more competitive division, featuring schools with larger enrollments and reputed athletic programs, poses potential dangers for the players.
Safety Concerns
Dave Connolly, a concerned parent, emphasizes the safety aspect, stating that moving the teams into a higher division is akin to “feeding them to the wolves.” He highlights the disparity in size and talent, particularly referencing wealthier programs like St. Joseph’s Prep and La Salle College High School.
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Former coach Bob McGowan echoes the sentiment, expressing concerns about the teams being outmatched and emphasizing the unfairness of pitting smaller 4A programs against larger 6A programs. The discrepancy in enrollment numbers becomes a focal point, with schools like Bonner and O’Hara having significantly fewer male students compared to their counterparts.
Enrollment Numbers as a Factor
Sources reveal that the decision to move the schools up was influenced by enrollment numbers, with larger schools perceived to have a more extensive pool of athletes. However, parents find this reasoning inadequate, as neither Bonner nor O’Hara fits the criteria typically associated with such a move.
Safety Over Sport
Kathy Murray, president of the football boosters club at Bonner-Prendie, emphasizes that while she would allow her son to continue playing football, safety becomes the top priority. The concern is particularly heightened for players facing opponents of larger stature, raising apprehensions among parents.
Decision-Making Process
The decision to realign the football divisions went to a vote before the Philadelphia Catholic League board in early November. Despite the overwhelming support for moving Bonner-Prendie and O’Hara up, stakeholders within the schools express bewilderment, citing minimal discussion during the meeting.
Archdiocese’s Stance
The Archdiocese, while acknowledging awareness of the situation, asserts that they were not involved in the vote. They state that communication with parents was undertaken to the extent possible, yet the decision-making process remains a source of discontent among those affected.
As the controversy unfolds, the discontent within the community raises questions about transparency, fairness, and the prioritization of student-athlete safety in the realm of high school football.
