O’Hara Teachers' Strike Strikes Players

Cardinal O’Hara is stuck in limbo. The Lions had their non-league game cancelled last Saturday against Haverford School because of a .

football coach Dan Algeo is placed in a hard spot as a teacher at the school and as a dedicated coach committed to his players.

The Lions are supposed to play Neumann-Goretti this coming Saturday at 11 a.m. at home, in a game switched from Neumann-Goretti to O’Hara because of the Temple-Penn State game Saturday at Lincoln Financial Field.

The Lions have been practicing under the coaching staff—though not permitted to play because of a decision by the school president and principal.  

“There is definitely frustration, because of all the work and commitment and dedication we’ve put into this season,” O’Hara star said. “Coach Algeo told us if it was up to him, he’d be there coaching us and we would have played the game [against Haverford School] on Saturday.

“Of all people, this does affect me the most. I didn’t play in the opener, with the sinus infection. This is killing me. We don’t see how we should be punished over what is happening. We’re the ones that are the victims in this whole thing. We don’t blame Coach Algeo for this, not at all. We have his back. He’s taking the heat over this and it’s not his fault.”

Senior defensive end/tight end Shane Johnson says this limbo is taking a toll. The seniors worked all summer in preparing for this season.

“Our time as football players is winding down,” Johnson said. “This is our last year to get to play, and we’re barely getting to play. They’re not updating us about anything. We are really left in the dark. It’s a terrible feeling not knowing anything. Coach Algeo told us he doesn’t know anything, either, so he’s in the same boat as us. We’re trying to keep each other’s hopes up.”

Patch Top Seven Week 2

1. Cardinal O’Hara (1-0) vs. Neumann-Goretti

2. Haverford School (1-0) vs. Lawrenceville School

3. Springfield (2-0) vs. Penncrest

4. Marple Newtown (2-0) vs. Strath Haven

5. Episcopal Academy (1-1) vs. Hun School

6. Conestoga (1-1) vs. Ridley

7. Haverford High School (0-2) vs. Lower Merion