McKinley held out hope it could play its final scheduled football game of the season Saturday against Castle, but that idea ended Monday.
“Unfortunately, we had to make the difficult decision to end our varsity season due to safety concerns with limited numbers (of players),” head coach Sam Cantiberos texted Hawaii Prep World on Monday night. “Through talking with some of the parents and student-athletes, we would have no more than 17 eligible players. Safety concerns were voiced. We will continue to build a positive culture at McKinley and will be ready to compete next year.”
Last Tuesday morning, Hawaii Prep World learned that the Tigers had decided to forfeit their final two games — against Leilehua on Saturday, Sept. 26, and against Castle on Oct. 3, this upcoming Saturday. But by last Tuesday night, however, McKinley — wanting to explore all avenues in trying to give its players a chance to play their final game — decided to reconsider the decision for the season-ender against Castle and put off a final decision until Monday.
Both of the forfeited games were originally scheduled for the field where McKinley plays its home games — Roosevelt’s Ticky Vasconcellos Stadium.
The McKinley junior varsity team will continue to play its regularly scheduled games.
The coach made the right decision after consulting with the parents and administrators as the safety of the players take precedence over playing the game. Mckinley’s coach has the program going in the right direction and with much sacrifice and perseverance down the road, eventually, Mckinley will come out better for this.
Wish the Head Coach and staff and the players the very best now and in the future and I know all of these trials and tribulations will make them a better program.