Neshaminy looking into alleged football incident

By Rick O’Brien, INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
Posted: October 16, 2012

Neshaminy School District officials are looking into an allegation that longtime football coach Mark Schmidt acted inappropriately toward a player during Friday night's game against visiting Council Rock South.

Schmidt grabbed a player during the second half, said one person who attended the game and asked to remain anonymous.

"I can confirm to you that district officials are aware of an alleged incident that took place in last week's football game involving a Neshaminy player and a member of our coaching staff," school board president Ritchie Webb said Tuesday, reading from a prepared statement.

"District officials are currently collecting facts surrounding the alleged incident and will take any appropriate actions as outlined by the Neshaminy School District policy."

Schmidt, a health and physical education teacher at the high school, declined comment. Athletic director Tom Magdelinskas did not return a phone call seeking comment.

In 18 seasons with the Redskins, Schmidt has compiled a 144-62 record, claimed a PIAA Class AAAA state championship, won two District 1 titles, and captured six Suburban One League National Conference crowns.

Webb was asked if Schmidt was coaching the squad in practices leading to Friday night's National Conference game at Bensalem.

"At this point, I'm not aware of any disciplinary action being taken," he said.

In June, Schmidt, the winningest coach in program history, was inducted into the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He guided Neshaminy to a 15-0 record and top state honors in 2001.

Contact Rick O'Brien at robrien@phillynews.com, or @ozoneinq on Twitter. Read his blog, "The O'Zone," at www.philly.com/ozone

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