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Madonna won’t field a football team this fall

WEIRTON — Officials at Madonna High School have announced the school will not be fielding a football program for the coming season.

Earlier this week, the school informed the six Ohio Valley Athletic Conference schools that were scheduled to play the Blue Dons this season of its intentions to not field a team. Those schools — Steubenville Catholic Central, Toronto, Oak Glen, Cameron, Clay-Battelle and Conotton Valley — are now left scrambling to find new opponents.

The school released the following statement:

“Due to an insufficient number of student-athletes committing to participate, we will be unable to field a football team at Madonna High School for the 2025 season. This decision was made with the safety and well-being of our students as the top priority. Without sufficient numbers, we simply cannot ensure a safe and productive experience for our players. We will look to start the football program back in the 2026-2027 school year if we have enough interest.

“Madonna High School remains deeply committed to providing an educational experience where students can grow in mind, body and spirit,” the statement continued. “A robust and diverse athletic experience for all of our students is an important part of the Madonna High School journey for all students who are interested. We offer a wide range of other sports, and we strongly encourage all students to explore these opportunities. Many of our students participate in multiple sports. Participation in athletics teaches valuable life skills such as teamwork, discipline, leadership and perseverance, and we believe every student can find a sport where they can thrive.”

The Blue Dons won W.Va. Class A state champions in 1968, 1971, 1972, 1987, 2009 and 2013. They were the Catholic State Champions in 1975. The program captured 11 OVAC Class A banners — in 1962, 1967, 1969, 1975, 1987, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013 and 2020.

Madonna finished the 2024 season at 7-4, qualifying for the Class A state playoffs, where they fell to eventual state champion Wahama, 68-13.

However, the Blue Dons dressed just 18 players for that contest and saw seven seniors pick up their diplomas in May.

Head coach John McCune would have been entering his second season at the Blue Dons helm.

“It’s a sad time for the Madonna community,” he said. “I won’t be getting to do what I love.”

Madonna will continue to offer the following sports for male athletes: Golf, cross country, basketball, baseball and track and field. For girls, it will offer golf, cross country, volleyball, basketball, softball, track and field and cheerleading.

McCune said that players still wanting to play football can do so at either Oak Glen or Weir High schools and still attend Madonna.

“If a kid lives in the City of Weirton, he can play for Weir High. If a kid lives in New Cumberland, Newell or Chester, they can play at Oak Glen,” McCune said.

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