Holy Ghost Prep’s application to join the Catholic League rejected

Holy Ghost Prep’s application to join the Catholic League beginning with the 2019-20 school year was denied in a vote this week by the Catholic League board of governors.

“I just sent a letter to their principal and president regarding their application,” Archbishop Ryan principal Joseph McFadden, chairman of the board of governors, said Thursday afternoon.

Asked the reason for the denial, McFadden said it was an internal matter.

Holy Ghost Prep, a member of the Bicentennial Athletic League for more than four decades, formally applied in September to join the Catholic League.

“I’m open to talking to Holy Ghost Prep about the reason or reasons for the board’s decision after the holidays,” McFadden said.

Holy Ghost, an all-boys private school in Bensalem, sponsors 14 varsity sports and is a member of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association.

“As we move forward, Holy Ghost Prep remains on an impressive trajectory,” Holy Ghost Prep president Gregory J. Geruson wrote in a letter to the school community on Thursday. "At this time, we will reassess our application to the PCL and determine what is our next best step.

“In the meantime, we will continue our strong relationship with the Bicentennial Athletic League and with District 1. As with all our strategic decisions, we will continue to be thoughtful regarding our future athletic league affiliation, with our primary focus being what is in the best interest of Holy Ghost Prep.”

The board of governors is composed of Catholic League principals. McFadden said Holy Ghost’s application was also denied in a separate vote by Catholic League athletic directors.

“Holy Ghost Prep is always welcome to apply again at some point in the future,” McFadden said.

Devon Prep, formerly of the Bicentennial Athletic League, joined the Catholic League this school year. Also an all-boys private school and PIAA member, it sponsors 11 varsity sports.

The Catholic League has 18 members.