Due to recent safety concerns, the football game between Euclid and Solon will not commence. Ultimately, Solon made the decision to cancel tonight’s game.
Solon High School spokesperson Tamara Strom released a statement on Oct. 3 regarding the concerns for safety.
“This decision was not made lightly, as we take the safety and well being of our students and community very seriously. Given the events that occurred last week around Euclid High School, we believe this is the safest course of action.”
The specific safety concerns have not been identified, but last week the Euclid chose to move their game to Brunswick due to violence.
Despite Solon’s decision for this week, Euclid feels that their environment is safe to host a game. However, Solon disagrees.
In a statement made to Ideastream Strom said, “The decision made to not travel to Euclid for the varsity football game this week was a safety decision due to the absence of clear communication from Euclid that included a robust safety plan surrounding all aspects of the game and fan/student attendance in light of recent violence on and around their school campus.”
When Solon reached the consensus to cancel the game, there was a collective feeling of disappointment among Solon’s populous, but ultimately an understanding of prioritizing safety. Captain and Senior Harley Barmen (WR/S) shared his thoughts on the decision.
“Obviously I’m disappointed primarily for the seniors because the season is only 10 games, so to get a game shortened it’s difficult for us,” Barmen said. “Especially knowing that in a few weeks a lot of our football careers will be over.”
He continued, stating that this isn’t a decision that only affects Solon and expressed his sympathy for Euclid because they can’t play.
“So now, they don’t have their chance to get honored on their Senior night, and I would hate that if it was our team, so I do feel bad, but ultimately the school made the right decision prioritizing safety.”
Captain and Senior Brian McQuaide (WR) said he feels compassion for the players.
“My teammates and I know some of the guys on Euclid’s football team and are friends with them, and I don’t think it matters what sport you play,” McQuaide said. “You don’t want your senior night taken away.”
Junior Luke Kormuth (QB) said he understands that it’s for the best for the safety of the team but is still disappointed.
“It sucks because it was a winnable game that we wanted to win,” he said.
Senior band member, Joey Ridler, doesn’t mind that the game has been canceled because it gives the band more time to perfect their performance, yet he feels bad for Euclid’s band as well.
“It would have been cool to perform and see their band’s performance, [and] every weekend a band member gets to do a band takeover [on Instagram] and this weekend was mine,” Ridler said. “So on a personal level I was sad that I couldn’t do that, but in the long run it was probably the right decision.”
McQuaide said that safety and security for all is of paramount importance.
“I mean we want to play, and I love the game of football as much as everyone, but at the end of the day it’s important that we are waking up in the morning.”
