Toni Radcliffe ’14: As Episcopal has publically acknowledged a recent altercation between two students, The Haverford School’s reaction to the confrontation has gone largely unnoticed by Episcopal students, but is far from insignificant.
The conflict has been informally addressed at The Haverford School. An anonymous Haverford student stated, “[The administration] said they knew about the event, but that we should remain respectful and appropriate in the way we conduct ourselves at sporting events. Our Athletic Director also mentioned the incident following an assembly, [but] he gave no description or summary.”
John Nostrant, Athletic Director of The Haverford School, clarified, “I addressed the student body, not naming either boy. We discuss [appropriate behavior at athletic events] all the time regardless of our opponents.”
The student body at Haverford has attempted to maintain the rivalry as a playful competition between the two schools. The Haverford student remarked, “I would say [the event] sparked a lot of anger towards EA from Haverford for the time being. However, that anger hasn’t really manifested itself. It did perhaps play a factor in our excitement and cheering at the EA-Haverford Basketball Game.”
Although some Episcopal faculty have declared that the altercation hurt the rivalry between Episcopal and Haverford, Haverford staff separates the confrontation from the rivalry.
“I would not confuse the altercation with the rivalry,” commented Nostrant. “[It was an] isolated, unfortunate incident that the young men involved will have to work through in some capacity if they so choose.”
Dr. Joseph Cox, Headmaster of The Haverford School, remarked, “I think it was a very unfortunate situation for all involved and wish it hadn’t happen. If Mr. Clark, [The Greville Haslam Head of School], and I were not as close as we are and didn’t have the shared years of trust and friendship, this could have been even worse for our schools. I wish the best for all involved and feel my words would not do much to shed light on what was a dark moment for two great schools.”

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