Cheltenham (Pa.) High School canceled the upcoming 2026 varsity and junior varsity football seasons while the school district investigates allegations of hazing.
According to ABC6, Cheltenham police and the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office still have several steps of the investigation to complete before the program can resume.
The hazing was first reported in fall 2025, and the football program was suspended in Oct. 2025 — later canceled in Nov. 2025. The investigation confirmed that a student-athlete was assaulted by another student-athlete in the locker room while at least 19 others watched and recorded the incident. Investigators found that a lack of locker room supervision by coaches and staff was partially to blame.
"The completion of critical tasks required to reset the program is directly dependent on the findings from both the internal and external investigations currently underway," said superintendent Dr. Brian Scriven. “Until those investigations are concluded and their findings are known, it is not possible to define, develop, or execute the necessary corrective actions. The district cannot build a path forward around unknowns. The scope and nature of what must be addressed will be determined by the evidence, and that process must be allowed to run its course before any meaningful next steps can be taken."
Despite the lack of a football season, Cheltenham officials said they would find a way for the school’s cheerleading squad, marching band and color guard to participate in other athletics events and perform.
"Our students, families, and fans deserve the opportunity to enjoy the spirit and excitement that these teams contribute to the overall game-day experience," Scriven said in a letter to families.
While Cheltenham’s 2025 varsity and junior varsity football seasons were suspended after the hazing was first reported, the Freshman football squad continued to compete and will still participate in the 2026 season.
