The Dayton Stivers School for the Arts has made a significant decision to resume its 2026 football season after initially announcing its cancellation. This abrupt change comes following a meeting with concerned parents and stakeholders, showcasing the community's commitment to the program.
On August 31, 2026, the Dayton Public Schools (DPS) had declared that the football season would be canceled due to low participation rates and a number of injuries among players. However, just two days later, on September 2, Superintendent David Lawrence announced the reversal, emphasizing the importance of extracurricular activities for students. "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," he stated.
The decision to reinstate the season is particularly noteworthy given the challenges the Stivers football team has faced. Competing in the OHSAA Division V, Stivers is in its second season since the program was revived after a 40-year hiatus. Last season, the team finished with a record of 2-8, including one forfeited game. Their first match of the current season ended in a heavy defeat against Gamble Montessori, with a score of 50-6, and a subsequent game against Dunbar was canceled.
As a result of the season's reinstatement, several Greater Cincinnati schools that had previously scheduled games against Stivers are now adjusting their plans. New Miami has already replaced Stivers with Preble Shawnee for a game scheduled for September 3. Other teams, including Shroder, Norwood, and Summit Country Day, are also impacted. Norwood's athletic director, Chuck Richardson III, confirmed that they would honor their scheduled game against Stivers on October 2, while Summit Country Day has opted to arrange a second matchup against Miami Valley Christian Academy instead of facing Stivers on October 9.
As of the latest updates, Shroder has yet to find a replacement for their game against Stivers, which further complicates the scheduling landscape for Cincinnati teams. The situation is fluid, and the athletic departments are working to finalize arrangements as quickly as possible.
Another critical aspect of this decision involved the eligibility of Stivers players. Unlike Lockland, which had canceled its season earlier in August, Stivers players were not allowed to join other Dayton schools for the remainder of the season due to OHSAA bylaw 4-1-4, which stipulates that once a season has begun, a school is considered to have sponsored the sport.
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 moves forward. This development not only reflects the resilience of the Stivers football program but also highlights the importance of community support in maintaining high school sports.
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