Future plans for CRHS-NCHS Games

Statement from Caroline Public School’s Superintendent Patricia Saelens:

Colonel Richardson High School (CRHS) and North Caroline High School (NCHS) football teams have played one another for decades. At some point in the early 2000’s, the Superintendent’s Cup trophy was discovered in storage at NCHS and since that time, has been awarded each year to the victorious team. In the past 17 years, Colonel has won the game just twice. This can be attributed to the fact that the size of the schools creates significant inequities in the football teams which, despite effort, determination, and teamwork, cannot be overcome under normal circumstances.

The story of David vs. Goliath was referenced both times that CRHS won. But presenting a coveted trophy to Goliath most years does not honor the tradition of sportsmanship in our athletic program or feel like the “Caroline Way”. Imagine the Baltimore Ravens celebrating victory over the Maryland Terrapins year after year and wanting to continue that tradition. We do not.

Tonight’s game will begin with awarding the Superintendent’s Unsung Leader Awards and will end with the retirement of the Superintendent’s cup to NCHS. For the future, a committee with appropriate representation from both schools will work together to propose an equitable plan that will involve all sports and all student athletes. We hope to be able to implement the committee’s recommendations in the 2019-2020 school year.

We appreciate the community’s support as we work to create new traditions that will represent the spirit of sportsmanship and leadership in Caroline.