GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Grand Rapids Public School District (GRPS) say safety concerns has postponed the match up against Ottawa Hills and Thornapple Kellogg Friday night.
GRPS says they made the decision to call off the game after Thornapple Kellogg school leaders heard rumors at their school which prompted immediate safety concerns.
“We were disappointed to learn of the request to cancel tonight’s game as our scholars and fans were looking forward to a fun Friday night game of football,” said Larry Johnson, Grand Rapids Public Schools’ Chief of Staff and Executive Director of Public Safety and School Security. “Safety comes before everything else, so when there’s a concern we take it seriously. We look forward to the matchup Saturday morning.”
The game has been rescheduled for Saturday morning at 11 a.m. at Houseman Field. There will be a limited amount of tickets distributed through players, cheerleaders and coaches. There will not be general admission tickets at the game.
Thornapple Kellogg Schools also released a statement regarding the incident.
In a note to parents, Superintendent Craig McCarthy wrote:
“This is in response to the rumored threat involving an outside group. Once again, these threats have not been made by TK or Ottawa Hills students, nor were they made toward TK students. GRPS is working with GRPD to investigate the threat as well as to provide additional security for the game tomorrow.
We apologize for the inconvenience and late notice of this change. The safety and security of all students and spectators is our top priority, and we appreciate your patience as we have navigated this situation.”
The Rockford vs. Grand Haven football game was also called off this afternoon, due to a lack of players and injuries on Grand Haven's team.
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