Thanksgiving tradition coming to an end for Judge/Lincoln

Tagged under: District 12, News

Billy Splain | March 12, 2024

After 40+ years, Father Judge High School and Abraham Lincoln High School have reached a joint agreement to cease playing our annual Thanksgiving Day game that has been a long- standing tradition in Northeast Philadelphia.

This decision was not taken lightly and has been under consideration between the two schools for the past few years. The safety and security of players, referees, and attendees coupled with potential football playoff conflicts within the PIAA and District 12 schedule were some of the driving forces that brought about this decision.

The secondary consideration for the decision was made regarding dual sport student-athletes. Student-athletes that participate in Fall sports that transition into Winter sports will have the opportunity to take a break and then transition into Winter Sports instead of waiting another 3 weeks for their football season to end, given their need to continue practicing with football to prepare for the Thanksgiving Day game.

While this decision closes a lengthy chapter in high school competition between the two schools, it provides both schools the opportunity to chart a new course for the success of their student- athletes and their Athletic Departments.

In my conversations with the Football Program and 12th Man Club, we agreed that while this is the correct decision that a need exists to provide an alternative event for Alumni to gather during the Thanksgiving Holiday. As such, the 12th Man Club and the President’s Office will be co- hosting an Alumni gathering on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving as was done in years past. More information will follow on specific event details. This will hopefully provide our Alumni the opportunity to connect/re-connect as well as see firsthand the transformation of the campus as it undergoes multiple renovations including the new Career Pathways Academy Building, E- Sports Lab, TV Studio, New Entry Way, and 3D Maker Space.

I appreciate your understanding with this difficult decision and for your continued support of the Father Judge High School Community.
In Salesian Spirit & Crusader Pride,

Brian Patrick King ’97, M.Ed. President

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