Apollo-Ridge officials condemn racist social media posts ahead of game against Valley

Apollo-Ridge School District officials Tuesday condemned racist images targeting Valley High School’s football team ahead of the schools’ scheduled game Friday in New Kensington.

In a statement, Apollo-Ridge Superintendent Matt Curci said the racist material posted to social media was brought to officials’ attention Monday night.

One image was a picture of the Valley High football team with a logo from the “Planet of the Apes” movie franchise behind them. The other showed three Valley Viking logos superimposed on apes.

The original social media account that showed the images was deleted and was not affiliated with Apollo-Ridge School District, Curci said.

“These posts were reprehensible in nature and in no way, shape or form represent the views of the Apollo-Ridge School District. There is no place for racism, no matter the setting,” Curci’s statement said.

“Law enforcement has been contacted, and we will fully cooperate in investigating to determine who is responsible.”

Kiski police Chief Lee Bartolicius said, while the incident remains under investigation, he believes authorities have identified the single juvenile responsible for creating the images, which were posted to Instagram. He would not give a further description of the juvenile.

Bartolicius also would not detail the charges that might be filed, which he said would be done through the juvenile system.

Valley High Principal Jon Banko said New Kensington-Arnold leaders appreciate Apollo-Ridge’s response.

“We are always disappointed whenever something like this happens because nobody should have to be subjected to that,” Banko said. “I have talked with our players and coaches. We’re hoping just to let our kids go play football and not have to worry about that extracurricular stuff.”

Bartolicius said he has been in contact with New Kensington police Chief Bob Deringer. Bartolicius said his department will be sending two officers to the game to increase security.

“We don’t anticipate any problems,” he said.

Apollo-Ridge visits Valley for a nonconference game at 7 p.m. Friday.

Valley is 0-1 under first-year coach Mark Adams after falling to Armstrong, 49-16, on the road last week. The Vikings finished 1-9 last season, including a 34-19 loss to Apollo-Ridge.

Apollo-Ridge edged Leechburg, 18-16, Friday behind Alex Wurmb’s 80-yard blocked field goal return for a touchdown and Karter Schrock’s 153 yards and two touchdown runs.

Banko said officials will make sure referees are of aware of what happened so they can keep tight reins on the game. He said he also spoke with Valley’s players.

“I just expressed to them that, if something happens on the field out of line, let the coaches know and let the coaches handle it,” he said.

“It’s too bad that our kids have to deal with this kind of stuff. It’s not fair,” Banko said. “But, in my experience at Valley, our kids are really resilient, and they typically respond in a positive way.”

Curci said Apollo-Ridge has been working with their counterparts at New Kensington-Arnold “to navigate the difficult waters created by this saddening situation.”

“Rather than create further divide, we are working to build a climate of understanding, caring and mutual respect,” he said. “Both districts have a history of strong competition and integrity, and we are united in wanting the true nature of our school communities to rise above ignorance and allow positivity to prevail.”