The Fort Cherry School District says they’re aware of a situation involving its student section during a boys’ basketball game on Friday night.
During the Big K Morning Show Monday, KDKA Radio’s Marty Griffin shared a message he received from an alumnus of Fort Cherry.
The woman told Griffin that a player for opponent Burgettstown was looking for his 1000th point. That player had recently lost his father to cancer.
Burgettstown fans were chanting “Where’s your 1000th?” encouraging the player when the Fort Cherry section reportedly started cheering “Where is your dad?”
The person who contacted Griffin said that player “ran off to the locker room.”
Fort Cherry’s Superintendent Thomas Samosky tells KDKA Radio they are aware of the situation.
Samosky says a rep from Burgettstown informed Ft. Cherry officials of the chant and administrators “promptly intervened” and made sure the chant stopped immediately.
Samoksy’s statement:
In response to this incident, the administration convened with the student body this morning to emphasize the importance of upholding the highest standards of sportsmanship and respect in all interscholastic activities. It was reiterated to students that any actions intended to belittle or disrespect opposing contestants, teams, spectators, or officials are contrary to the values of the Fort Cherry School District and interscholastic competition and will not be tolerated.
Fort Cherry School District remains committed to fostering an environment of inclusivity, respect, and positive competition among all its students. We extend our apologies to Burgettstown High School and its community for any offense caused by the inappropriate behavior exhibited during the game.
Moving forward, we will continue to work diligently to uphold the principles of good sportsmanship and ensure that all students understand their responsibility to represent our school district with dignity and integrity.
The sister of the Burgettstown player said, in part, in a Facebook post:
“My brother is one of the most humble, kind and respectful young men you will ever meet. He did not deserve to have his senior night ruined by such disrespectful individuals that clearly have never experienced the loss of a parent.”