Cheltenham High School will “table the launch of the ninth grade football team for this season”, according to a letter sent to district families in August.
District officials sent the letter to Glenside Local after we learned that several Panthers—among them senior standout quarterback Kendall Jackson—will be playing for Abraham Lincoln High School this season.
Former superintendent Dr. Brian W. Scriven issued a notice in May to district families regarding the cancellation of the 2026 season. In that notice, Scriven wrote that “Although a varsity or junior varsity football season will not take place this year, the district will field a ninth-grade team.”
August’s letter, written by acting superintendent Joshua Sweigard, states that the decision to call off a freshmen team “comes down to taking every precaution for the safety and well-being of our student-athletes; and building a program culture that fully aligns with an respects our broader community values.”
The letter continues:
We firmly believe that participating in athletics requires more than just playing games; it requires a solid foundation of shared values, structured support, and clear standards. Stepping onto the field without those considerations fully solidified would be a disservice to our student-athletes, staff, and community. The strong culture we are building will take longer than the amount of time needed before the start of football season. This decision was not made lightly, but taking a step back now allows us the time and space to rebuild the foundational elements properly so that we can support a strong, healthy, and unified program in the future.
Sweigard notes that a “ninth grade conditioning and team development program that would be operate similarly to a club” will be offered instead.
“The program would provide students with opportunities to engage in athletic conditioning, develop strength and agility, build teamwork and leadership skills, establish a positive team culture, and develop the relationships and shared expectations necessary for a successful future football program,” the letter states.
Going forward, the district said it will use the current school year to establish a full ninth-grade team for next year, “provided we have all applicable participation, staffing, safety, and program requirements.”
District officials also plan to conduct “a top-to-bottom assessment of all district athletic programs with a focus on safety and culture.”
“The issues that culminated in the horrific student-on-student attacks were not isolated incidents of violence,” the letter states. “They arose in the context of a culture of intimidation and acceptance of violence. All sports – not just football – will be assessed, but football will not return until we have addressed this culture, no matter how long it takes.”
The letter concludes:
We recognize that this news may be disappointing to our student-athletes and their families who were looking forward to the fall season. We deeply appreciate your understanding as we navigate this decision with the best interests of our students and program in mind. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or would like information regarding alternative athletic or activities opportunities for this school year
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