Lower Merion and Harriton High Schools will merge football teams beginning next fall
The PIAA approved the merger of Harriton and Lower Merion football teams, the Lower Merion superintendent announced Tuesday.
Lower Merion and Harriton High Schools are merging their football teams.
On Tuesday, Lower Merion School District Superintendent Frank Ranelli announced that the merger was approved by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) and will go into effect for the 2027-28 academic year. In August, Harriton suspended its varsity football season due to low participation, player safety concerns, and the school’s ability to maintain a competitive program.
Ranelli wrote in a statement that the schools will evaluate “relevant logistical topics,” including specifics on where the unified team would practice or play its games, and the merger’s “impact on related activities such as cheer and pep band” in the coming weeks.
“While thoughtfully implementing this change to our high school football programs will require a lot of work, the goal is to create a sustainable program that prioritizes the safety of our student athletes while preserving their opportunities to participate,” Ranelli wrote. “We will update the community on the process in the coming weeks and months.”
» READ MORE: Lower Merion and Harriton parents want to merge their football programs amid shrinking rosters
The PIAA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The decision came after a cooperative between the teams was approved by Lower Merion School District’s board in May. Ranelli was initially an opponent of merging the programs, but months of pressure from the community reversed the school district’s position.
Many parents spoke out about the teams’ low participation rates and possible safety risks associated with the under-rostered teams. Last year, a petition asking the Lower Merion school board to approve the merger garnered 300 signatures.
» READ MORE: Harriton High School’s varsity football season is suspended amid concerns over player safety, ‘sustainability’
Rahul Mistry was part of a group of parents who advocated for the merger. Mistry’s son, Matai Mistry, was Harriton’s captain who played left tackle and defensive line. He transferred to the Hun School of Princeton following last season.
“I’m glad they did it,” Mistry said. “Wish it was not as difficult. A lot of people end up transferring and leaving, and the Harriton team collapsed. Everything we’re warning him about, trying to inform him about, were all true. There was no angle here. We’re just trying to keep football alive and have these kids develop and stay safe.”
Inquirer Lower Merion
