AKRON, Ohio — The Akron Public Schools board has voted to reinstate fall sports. It held a special meeting Monday night to take a new vote after originally discontinuing fall competition due to concerns about the pandemic.

What You Need To Know

  • Two members of the school board changed their minds and their votes, making it possible for fall sports to start in September

  • Akron Public Schools had been the only Summit County school district without fall practice and competition

  • The first football game is scheduled for Sept. 19

Akron Public Schools had been the only district in Summit County not allowing student athletes to practice or play sports. Students and parents have been outspoken about their desire for a return to fall sports; they held demonstrations and initiated an online petition.

Kemp Boyd, head coach of the Kenmore-Garfield High School football team, said he understands the concerns that had put the season on hold, but believes getting athletes back on the field is about more than just playing a game.  

“Sports is a great vehicle for a lot of our student athletes, males and females," Boyd said. "We do live in a community where there are a lot more marginalized, if you will, individuals, so by taking this away you kind of remove an option form them to be able to go an have further success at the next level."

Practices are expected to begin this week, and the first football game is scheduled later this month.