Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania — Cheltenham School District has officially canceled the 2026 varsity and junior varsity football seasons at Cheltenham High School as investigations into alleged hazing and assault within the football program continue.
The announcement came Tuesday in a letter sent to the community by Superintendent Dr. Brian W. Scriven, who described the move as a “difficult decision” for the district.
Football Program Shut Down Amid Investigations
According to district officials, the cancellation comes as both internal and external investigations remain ongoing into serious allegations involving members of the football program.
While varsity and junior varsity football will not move forward in 2026, Scriven confirmed the school will still operate a ninth-grade football team.
In his letter, Scriven explained that the district cannot rebuild the football program until investigators complete their work and determine the full scope of the issues involved.
“The completion of critical tasks required to reset the program is directly dependent on the findings from both the internal and external investigations currently underway,” Scriven wrote.
He further stated:
“Until those investigations are concluded and their findings are known, it is not possible to define, develop, or execute the necessary corrective actions.”
Superintendent Says District Cannot Move Forward Yet
Scriven emphasized that the district cannot begin repairing the football program without fully understanding the results of the investigations.
“The district cannot build a path forward around unknowns,” he wrote. “The scope and nature of what must be addressed will be determined by the evidence, and that process must be allowed to run its course before any meaningful next steps can be taken.”
The cancellation marks another major development in a controversy that has shaken the Cheltenham community since allegations first surfaced during the 2025 football season.
The district had already ended the previous season early while the hazing investigation was underway.
Previous Investigation Revealed Troubling Allegations
Earlier this year, Scriven shared disturbing details about the allegations in a January letter to the community.
According to that letter, approximately 19 students allegedly witnessed an assault connected to the football program and failed to intervene. Officials also stated that several students allegedly participated in the incident while others recorded it on video.
Scriven also said an independent investigation found evidence of an overall “toxic and negative culture” within the football program.
Meanwhile, both the Cheltenham Township Police Department and the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office continue conducting criminal investigations tied to the alleged hazing incidents.
District Working With Families and Student Athletes
School officials acknowledged the cancellation will significantly impact student-athletes and families connected to the football program.
Scriven stated the district has been working closely with the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) regarding students who may want to transfer schools in order to continue playing football elsewhere.
The district advised families with questions about transfer eligibility to contact PIAA District One Committee Executive Director Sean Kelly.
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In addition, district officials announced that support services will be available beginning Wednesday through the remainder of the school year for anyone struggling with the ongoing situation.
Other School Activities Will Continue
Despite the football cancellation, the district says it plans to continue supporting other extracurricular groups connected to the program.
Officials confirmed they are working with coaches and advisors to ensure the school’s pep band drumline, color guard and cheerleading teams continue having opportunities to represent Cheltenham High School.
Scriven closed his letter by acknowledging the emotional toll the situation has had on the school community.
“The district recognizes that this uncertainty is difficult for students, families, and staff, and we are committed to ensuring that no one navigates this time alone,” he wrote.
What do you think about the school district’s decision to cancel the football season during the hazing investigation? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
