Decision to End PHS Varsity Season Came After Player Transported to Hospital by Ambulance During Game

The decision to end Pasadena High School’s varsity football season came after two players were hurt during the school’s first three games, according to a Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) spokesperson.

“Definitely, that played a part in the decision,” Hilda Ramirez Horvath told Pasadena Now.

Ramirez Horvath confirmed there were two confirmed injuries of Pasadena High School players. She did not have details on the incidents.

However, the Valley Sports Telegram wrote that an ambulance was called to the Bulldogs’ game against top-ranked Kennedy High School on Aug. 28.

According to the story by Randall Hamilton, the Bulldogs’ game against Kennedy High School was stopped for 30 minutes after an ambulance was called to provide medical attention to a Pasadena High School player.

The Valley Sports Telegram story did not describe the play that led to the injury, but a reporter with that publication confirmed to Pasadena Now that the player was transported to a local hospital.

“The game took a somber turn, when an ambulance was called for a Bulldogs player who needed medical assistance,” according to the story by Hamilton. “Both teams gathered on their respective sidelines in prayer, as the game was delayed for a half hour.”

The player’s name and the nature of the injury were not revealed.

There were two emergency medical technicians (EMTs) at the game. However, the nature of the injury led to the call for the students to be transported by ambulance.

Pasadena High School canceled its varsity football season on Sept. 11 citing safety concerns for its players.

“Pasadena High School began this year’s season with a young, enthusiastic varsity football team that now has 46 members. During the off-season, ten potential starters transferred to schools outside the district,” wrote Ramirez Horvath in a statement emailed out last week. “These transfers affected the team’s collective skill and experience level.”

According to Ramirez Horvath, after assessing the remaining team and its potential, the school determined that the student-athletes deserved a chance to compete at the varsity level.

However, after reviewing three games, listening to the coaches’ concerns and considering how to provide a positive experience for players, the school decided to complete the remainder of the season as a junior varsity team.

“We recognize that this decision is difficult for seniors, and are pleased that CIF has permitted one-time options for them to either stay on the PHS JV team or work with Principal Barba and district staff if they want to pursue transferring to another school to play varsity football,” said Ramirez Horvath.

The first PHS JV game will be at home on either Sept. 24 or 25 against Burroughs High School. .

“We appreciate our student-athletes’ hard work, commitment, and enthusiasm throughout the season,” Ramirez Horvath wrote.