The Dayton Stivers School for the Arts has made the significant decision to resume its 2026 football season, a move that comes after a brief period of uncertainty. Initially, on August 31, the school announced the cancellation of its football season due to low participation rates and injuries among players. However, following discussions with parents and community members, Dayton Public Schools (DPS) reversed that decision on September 2.
Superintendent David Lawrence expressed gratitude for the feedback from the community, stating, "After listening to your concerns and suggestions, we’ve decided to move forward with the football season at Stivers School for the Arts. Thank you for your thoughtful, passionate comments in defense of your children and extracurricular activities." This decision reflects the school's commitment to providing students with opportunities for engagement and teamwork through athletics.
The cancellation had raised concerns not just among the players and their families but also within the broader Cincinnati high school football community. Four schools from the Greater Cincinnati area had scheduled games against Stivers this season. In light of the cancellation announcement, New Miami swiftly replaced Stivers on its schedule with Preble Shawnee, which is set to play on September 3. Other teams that were originally slated to face Stivers include Shroder on September 24, Norwood on October 2, and Summit Country Day on October 9.
Norwood's athletic director, Chuck Richardson III, confirmed that the school would honor its scheduled game against Stivers on October 2, demonstrating support for the team’s revival. Conversely, Summit Country Day's athletic director, Greg Dennis, indicated that they would adjust their schedule to play a second game against Miami Valley Christian Academy instead of Stivers on October 9. As for Shroder, they had yet to finalize a replacement game as of September 2, leaving their schedule in a state of flux.
Stivers competes in the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Division V and is currently in its second season since the program was reinstated after a 40-year hiatus. Last season, the team finished with a record of 2-8, having forfeited one game. In their first game of the 2026 season, Stivers faced a tough defeat against Gamble Montessori, losing 50-6, and their second game against Dunbar was subsequently canceled.
A key factor in the decision to revive the football season was the restriction placed on Stivers players, who were not eligible to join teams at other Dayton schools. This was in contrast to Lockland, which had canceled its season earlier in August. According to OHSAA bylaw 4-1-4, since the season had already commenced, Stivers was considered to have sponsored the sport, preventing players from transferring to other teams.
Families of the Stivers football team are expected to receive detailed plans regarding the remainder of the season on September 3, providing clarity and direction as the team prepares to move forward. This development not only impacts the players and their families but also reshapes the competitive landscape for high school football in the Cincinnati area.
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