Penn Hills to implement security changes after man shot outside high school football game
PENN HILLS, Pa. (KDKA) -- Just a couple of days after a man was shot outside a Penn Hills vs. Woodland Hills high school football game, the Penn Hills School District has announced it will increase its security presence at its next game.
Allegheny County police said a man had just left the game at the Wolvarena in Turtle Creek and was walking in the area when he heard shots and was struck in the leg. He ran back to the stadium to get help, officials suspended the game in the fourth quarter and first responders transported him to the hospital, where he was later released.
Heidi Leech, a Woodland Hills alumna, was there with her family.
"Pop, pop, pop, pop, just like that," Leech said. "All of a sudden, just mass chaos."
In a letter from Penn Hills Superintendent Dr. John Mozzocio to the community, he said that this Friday when Penn Hills plays North Allegheny, there will be an increased security presence at Yuhas-McGinley Stadium.
"We are examining our safety readiness and procedures for the upcoming game with North Allegheny on Friday," the letter read. "There will be an increased security presence at the stadium."
The district also reminded both Penn Hills and North Allegheny students that tickets must be purchased ahead of the game during school pre-sales and a valid student ID must be used to enter the stadium. If not purchased at a school pre-sale, students in grades K-12 will be required to have a parent or guardian present at the gate to purchase a ticket on the day of the game.
They also do require students in grades K-8 to be accompanied by a parent or an adult throughout the game. Those students will be given a different colored wristband to signal to security that they must have a parent or guardian with them.
"I do think that that's a great, you know, start to protection and safety," Leech said.
Leech feels it's a step in the right direction. She remembers when games took place on Saturday afternoons to avoid any problems, but she doesn't even think that would make a difference.
"Today's day and age, I don't feel like people even care what time of the day it is," Leech said.
Mike Waller of Penn Hills has similar thoughts. He said the problem goes beyond the football field.
"These are bigger issues. These are societal issues that aren't being taken care of," Waller said.
Penn Hills also has said that they will make counselors available on Tuesday for any staff member or student who may need to speak with them.
"Parents and students should not hesitate to reach out to district administrators, building administrators, or school counselors if they need assistance or have questions," the letter said.
Penn Hills and North Allegheny are scheduled to play Friday night at Yuhas-McGinley Stadium in Penn Hills.