TOWAMENCIN – Instead of the North Penn Knights raising their helmets at the end of football games, teachers will be raising the roof next year. Over the years the football team has been a large representation of the school, but that representation is coming to an end. The football team being the most expensive athletic program in the school, NPHS decided to invest that money instead in a multi-million dollar project of a retractable roof, as part of its proposed multi-million dollar high school renovation plan. Students often complain to teachers about wanting to go outside on warm, sunny days, and the solution to this, while maintaining public safety, is having a retractable roof.

“I work at the school as a security guard, and as hurt as I am to lose the football team I think this is a great idea. Now kids will no longer have the need to go outside, which helps keep the students in one place,” said Head Coach Dick Beck.

All the money spent every year on football games, transportation, uniforms and equipment will all go to this project. North Penn has had years of success with football and after this year’s performance, making it all the way to the Semi-Finals in the state playoffs, an agreement has been reached that there has been enough success.

“This year’s football team set as a precedent for what a team that’s a family really means. I was happy to be the running back of such a successful team, and very proud to represent North Penn the way we did this year. It’s unfortunate for the underclassmen not to be able to live up to that dream and be able to represent the Knights, but hopefully they appreciate the new roof,” said senior running back Nick Dillon.

Although cutting the football program will hurt some feelings, this investment in the retractable roof will benefit more students and faculty members. On sunny days students have the urge to go outside, but feel trapped and enclosed in the building. The retractable roof intends to bring flexibility in not only temperature, but also sunlight, happiness, and the feel of fresh air.

Friday night football games, while a popular community draw, will likely be replaced with 3^rd floor K-pod Friday night star gazing – something the Astronomy Club and community star gazers alike will undoubtedly find as exhilarating as Friday night football.

“Honestly, I feel bad for the aspiring underclassmen coming up, but it makes sense to end the program after a good year. We built up a solid team for the past few years to all come down to this season and it was a success. Although some players will be very hurt by the decision, I completely understand the concept and idea” said senior wide receiver , Ricky Johns.

With all the sports teams at NPHS and most football players playing more than just football, the cut of the football program won’t negatively affect the school as intensely as the retractable roof would positively affect the school. By putting all the money toward this project, in the long run, the roof will save money in the warmer months from conserving air conditioning. Ultimately, although there will be some lost dreams of football players, this multi-million dollar project will benefit the school body as a whole.

“Coming off of a successful season this year, I was looking forward to seeing what next year would hold for the Knights. I will miss out on senior night and my chance to show leadership as a captain, but I could always just play basketball for the school next year. I understand where the school is coming from with this decision, and I’m glad we ended on a good note before cutting the program,” said junior cornerback, Justis Henley.