Students at Morgan Park High School staged a walkout on Tuesday after principal Dan Kuzma announced over the intercom that the football season was over and that head coach Chris James was being removed. The protest began at 10:45 a.m., with hundreds of students marching through the hallways holding signs in support of James.
Coach James’ record and the sudden change
James, a Morgan Park alumnus, led the Mustangs for nine seasons, compiling a 55‑24 record, according to the Chicago Sun‑Times. The team’s state playoff run ended Saturday with a 42‑34 loss to Providence. After the loss, the squad hoped to continue in the Public League consolation tournament, but the principal’s announcement ended those hopes.
Impact on seniors and access to recruiting tools
Players said they were locked out of the locker room and denied access to the team’s Hudl account, a platform that lets athletes share game film with college recruiters. Senior Daniel Rawlings explained, “For us seniors, those three games could have helped us a lot. Some seniors need more film to put on their highlight tape for colleges.”
Team members also noted they never got a chance to say goodbye to James, who they say shaped them both on and off the field.
Coach James’ statement
In a Facebook post, James said his vision for the football program “did not align with the vision the administration has for the school and that was reiterated to me many times.” He added that after “multiple attempts to press forward, the message of the direction of the school was received very clearly.” James also asked the school to restore Hudl access, calling it an “essential and basic necessity” for students seeking scholarships.
Community and political reaction
State Rep. Kam Buckner, a former Morgan Park player, expressed deep disappointment on X, saying, “He built more than a football program—he built lifelines for South Side kids. Pulling them from competition compounds the harm. Our young men deserve answers.”
Parents joined the walkout, holding signs urging the school not to punish the players. The principal’s office did not respond to requests for comment at the time of publication.
Students’ perspective
Senior Kenneth Allen recalled the team’s effort after falling behind 28‑0 at halftime against Providence. “During halftime, they came and talked to us and we almost made a comeback, we were one score off,” Allen said. “After the game, [James] was saying, ‘It’s a loss, it stings, but it’s okay. We still have an opportunity to play three more games.’”
The walkout highlighted concerns that the abrupt decision not only ended the season but also jeopardized seniors’ chances to showcase their abilities to college scouts.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
