Dear Catholic Central Community,

Thank you. Over the past 24 hours, we have been surrounded by an outpouring of prayers, messages, and support from families, alumni, and friends across Michigan. Please know that it has been felt and that it has carried our students, coaches, and families through a very difficult day. 

I want to share how proud I am of our football players. They showed up to school today, walking our halls, sitting in class, and taking care of each other. That is not a small thing. It is a testament to the young men they are becoming, and it reflects the formation we strive for. 

I write with a positive update for our team.

We were notified this evening that a Kent County Circuit Court Judge has granted a Temporary Restraining Order to a student-athlete affected by the MHSAA’s decision. The filing was taken independently of Catholic Central High School, and the school is not a party to the lawsuit. Out of respect for the legal process, we will not comment further on the Temporary Restraining Order or the contents of the filing.

Catholic Central will fully comply with the court Order, which, in part, states, “The MHSAA shall schedule and permit Catholic Central’s first-round 2026 MHSAA Football playoff game to proceed no later than 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.” We will communicate the date and time of the game as soon as the MHSAA releases that information. 

The student plaintiff and the MHSAA will appear before the Court next Friday, November 6, at 9:00 a.m. We will update the community once we have learned the outcome of the appearance.

In the meantime, I ask that our community refrain from commenting on the legal matter publicly or on social media, out of respect for the family and the process. 

We remain fully committed to our players and their families, and to defending Catholic Central’s integrity. Please continue to keep our players, coaches, and their families in your prayers as this situation unfolds.

Yours in Christ, 

Greg Deja

President