Facing a tough season and dwindling roster numbers, Baldwin High School’s athletic director Tony Cherico in Pittsburgh reached out to upcoming football opponents with a request: consider easing gameplay to protect Baldwin’s players.
The email suggested options like using a running clock or playing junior varsity athletes more frequently.
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Baldwin coach Dana Brown told KDKA’s Jessica Guay that the message was meant to spark dialogue, not surrender competitiveness. With only 24-26 active players, many of whom play both offense and defense, fatigue and safety have become major concerns for Baldwin. Some parents have withheld their children from games, prompting calls for a formal safety plan.
Despite the challenges, Brown emphasized to Guay his desire for players to compete fully and grow through adversity. The team has won just one game in three seasons, and their quarterback recently transferred.
Superintendent Randal A. Lutz clarified to Guay that the email was about safety, not a lack of pride in Baldwin’s athletes.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY High School Sports Wire: Pittsburgh AD’s letter asks future football opponents to go easy
