As principal of Bishop Canevin High School, I feel a sense of responsibility to advocate for the community I represent and respond to the erroneous claims and misinformation included in Mr. Charles Herrmann’s recent letter to the editor.

Inaccurate publications such as this can potentially damage and do not reflect what is currently a strong partnership between Bishop Canevin and Carlynton High School that benefits many students living in our area. Currently, Bishop Canevin and Carlynton have a co-op in a number of sports including golf, tennis, swimming, wrestling, track and field, and boys’ volleyball. Without these co-ops, student-athletes may not have the opportunity to pursue their passions competitively at the high school level. This arrangement has been extremely beneficial to both schools and has helped bring notoriety to both student-athletes and teams in our area.

During the 2020-21 school year, Bishop Canevin swimmers and track and field athletes helped Carlynton earn section championships. A Canevin student wrestling for Carlynton earned over 100 career match wins en route to a college scholarship, and, this year, a Carlynton golfer has been instrumental in the Bishop Canevin Golf team having a chance at the school’s first section championship in many years. Beyond that success, our schools additionally share resources, facilities and personnel in an effort to provide students from both schools a safe environment that helps them reach their fullest potential.

Comments such as Mr. Herrmann’s take attention away from the true reasons why Bishop Canevin has experienced a revitalization of its football program and is a disservice to our coaches, student-athletes, parents and supporters whose time and labor have made our turnaround possible.

The efforts of our parents have helped transform our locker room and practice field into areas of which our student-athletes can now be proud. Our alumni have provided support and helped raised the necessary capital to build a state-of-the-art fitness center that benefits all BC student-athletes. Our seniors have remained steadfast throughout multiple coaching transitions and, after many years, their hard work, perseverance and loyalty are being rewarded.

Finally, Bishop Canevin has identified the right person in Coach Richard Johnson to lead its football program. While I was pleased to see that Coach Johnson will be recognized by the Steelers at an upcoming game following our most recent victory, at Bishop Canevin we are thrilled Coach Johnson is getting his due after witnessing him over the past two years be a presence in the building, prioritizing the academics of his players and being a servant leader who is a model for our student-athletes.

Prior to Coach Johnson’s arrival, the Bishop Canevin football program was on life support. In 2019 we had to make the difficult decision to forfeit a game after not having enough healthy players due to concussion issues. In the 2018 and 2019 seasons, we were defeated soundly by Carlynton 35-12 and 34-7. Prior to this season, our last victory at Carlynton was 1999, we have been on the side of lopsided losses in this neighborhood rivalry, but our improvement has not been at the expense of Carlynton or the result of any recruiting.

Mr. Herrmann’s letter also contains some of its greatest inaccuracies when it references a past WPIAL hearing. The Carlynton administration, while requesting the hearing, did not check the box associated with recruiting as the reason to challenge the student’s eligibility at Bishop Canevin. Also, the hearing was closed, an option provided by the WPIAL and agreed upon by both institutions; thus any account of what was said is completely hearsay. The WPIAL Board of directors heard evidence presented from both sides and ultimately concluded that the student-athlete should be immediately eligible to participate representing Bishop Canevin. Both sides accepted the WPIAL ruling and have moved forward with their respective teams and seasons.

We at Bishop Canevin are proud of our association with Carlynton, our actions in the community, on and off the field, and our continued promotion of excellence in education for all students.

Michael Joyce

Principal, Bishop Canevin High School

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