Ringgold calls off football game vs. Thomas Jefferson, investigates ‘alleged incidents of misconduct’

By: Chris Harlan
Thursday, October 10, 2024 | 6:16 PM

Ringgold has called off Friday’s football game while investigating unspecified allegations “that involve members of the football team.”

The Rams were scheduled to host Thomas Jefferson in a Big Six Conference game. Ringgold superintendent Randall Skrinjorich confirmed the district’s decision, saying in an email: “Currently the game is postponed.”

In a letter addressed to Ringgold families, Skrinjorich said the school district on Thursday “was made aware of alleged incidents of misconduct. Given the serious nature of the alleged incidents that involve members of the football team, the District has made the difficult decision to cancel the football game on Oct. 11, 2024. We are continuing to gather information and will take all the appropriate steps to address these allegations.”

Ringgold football coach Robert Heller did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

WPIAL chief operating officer Vince Sortino said he’d spoken with Ringgold’s administration and agreed that postponing was warranted. Sortino said the game wasn’t considered a forfeit at this time and would be treated similar to a contest suspended by inclement weather.

“If they can get it in, fine. If they can’t, that’s fine,” Sortino said. “They’re in the middle of an investigation. What they told me was satisfying to me that the health, safety and welfare of the student-athletes may be in play.”

If an unplayed game became an issue in the conference standings, the WPIAL would resolve that later, he said. Thomas Jefferson (7-0, 2-0) leads the six-team conference with Ringgold (1-6, 0-2) in last place.

Sortino referred other questions to the school district.

“I agree with their judgment to postpone the game,” he said.

A meeting of school board members was held Thursday evening at the district’s administration building. Ringgold players stood outside holding signs supporting Heller and asking the board to save the season and the coaching staff.

According to the Mon Valley Independent, players said they were informed that no decision had been made on canceling next week’s game against Belle Vernon, or the season as a whole, and that the focus of the investigation is an alleged hazing incident.

The Mon Valley Independent contributed to this report.