by ALANA REYES
Anyone in the Chadwick community knows that we are a football school. The nationally ranked Dolphins serve as a source of pride for our school, as well as the whole South Bay.
Chadwick, however, has made the decision to abandon its nine-year commitment to eight-man tackle football in the Prep League and transition to flag football.
In response to parent concerns about the dangers of contact sports, the Dolphins will join schools such as Leuzinger, San Pedro and Rolling Hills Prep in CIF Division 1 flag football next fall.
New to Chadwick this year, Athletic Director Jaime Hoffman had no choice but to appeal to the tremors in the community and announce her first major initiative in the Athletic Department: elimination of the eight-man football program alongside a permanent flag-football team.
Chadwick Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine Cathy Clarke attested to families’ safety concerns: “In the fall season, I get at least five football players coming in each day complaining about ailments ranging anywhere from ingrown toenails to knocked-out teeth. There’s only so much I can do.
This change in program philosophy is relieving not only parents’ worries, but also those of the players.
Junior defensive end Daniel Rosenzweig is estatic at the transition to a safer sport, especially after falling victim to two devastating pinky dislocations during the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
“I guess it becomes a problem when you can only type essays on your phone,” Rosenzweig said. “I can’t technically be on the team if I miss another assignment, so I’m just happy my grades and pinkies can take a break from the hits.”
Departing seniors, unfortunately, won’t be able to participate in the new program, but will carry the legacy as the last Chadwick class to compete in tackle football. They concluded the era with a win-loss record of 2-43.
Among the eight soon-to-be graduates is center Atma Joshi, who played one glorious season with the Dolphins.
“I’d do anything for another season with these boys, and I guess it’d be a bonus if I didn’t get thrown around by the 6-foot-4 linebackers from the School of the Deaf,” he said.
Step outside Pascoe Pavillion Gym, and you’ll catch spring practice in session for the remaining players, who plan to dominate the upcoming season and continue to excell as Chadwick’s only Division 1 team.
Junior quarterback and NFL recruit Tom Rosso, and junior all-around star Josh Goodman are putting in the work in hopes of leading their team to a championship.
The program’s new expanded budget has alloted the incomng seniors with state-of-the-art flag belts, as well as a professional videographer and social media manager for the team’s viral Instagram (@chadwickfootball, 2 million followers and counting).
Star lineman Benjamin Wandrick, who was selected 21st-Team All-Prep League as just a freshman, is looking forward to continue making his mark on the ever-changing Chadwick football program.
“Size didn’t stop me in eight-man, and I’m going to make flag football my b%$&*!” said Wandrick, who stands 4-8.
We’re certainly in for a historic fall season as the Dolphins soar into flag football!
The Mainsheet 