PARK RIDGE—The Park Ridge Board of Education has called a special meeting for Monday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. at the High School Little Theater to discuss a request from Emerson to include football in the district’s co-op athletic agreement.
The decision is time-sensitive and the public is invited to weigh in.
According to Park Ridge district superintendent Robert M. Gamper, due to low enrollment Emerson has been playing in the NJIC Union League, which is designed for smaller programs, for the past two seasons.
He said both districts agreed to wait until the end of the season to discuss this matter “so as not to create a distraction for players and coaches.”
Gamper told the school community in a letter on Dec. 3 that a merger in football would be similar to the programs Park Ridge already shares with Emerson in golf, cross-country, bowling, wrestling and lacrosse.
He said, “First and foremost, I want to congratulate our high school football players, marching band members and cheerleaders for an exciting season. The school spirit and enthusiasm they brought to Owl Nation served as a reminder of just how lucky we are to be part of the Park Ridge school community. Our victory over Hasbrouck Heights to capture the North 1 Group 1 State Sectional Championship will forever live in our hearts and minds.”
Of Emerson’s ask, he said, “Most of you will remember that we last entertained this idea in 2014. At that time, both schools were able to field a competitive team and the discussion was more for exploration purposes. However, the request from Emerson this year coincides with low football program enrollment, which will make it difficult for them to safely compete at the varsity level in the fall.”
Gamper said, “Technically, Emerson can field a team, but the experience would be challenging at best and unsafe at worst.”
He said he understands that “this request might not be a surprise to our younger football families, since Park Ridge and Emerson have been playing together on the Junior Level (grades 1–8) for the past several seasons.”
The Park Ridge BOE Education Committee is to meet with stakeholders from Owl football, cheerleading and marching band programs.
Gamper said, “An invitation to attend this meeting has already been sent to PRHS coaches/directors, PRHS booster association representatives and PRAA junior commissioners.”
At the Dec. 13 special meeting, the board will discuss this request and give the public a chance to ask questions or provide comment.
He added that the request is time sensitive due to the NJSIAA deadline of Jan. 15 for applications of new 2022 fall season co-op programs.