UPDATE: Bonfire Led Police to Gathered Football Players; Students Say Tradition is Longstanding

Updated 10 a.m., Sept. 30

School officials and police officers remain mum on the nature of the incident that led to an investigation into Swampscott High School’s footbal team and the cancellation of two games this week.

Fox25, however, reported that students indicated the event was a longstanding tradition known as “The 50,” in which football players gather around a bonfire the night before a game.

“They like chant and say things to motivate each other for the game the next day,” varsity cheerleader Kendall Rhodes told Fox25. “It’s been going on for so long. My brother was on the football team - he would go to ‘the 50.’ It’s not just this year it’s been every year, so it’s kind of bad they’re only getting in trouble this year.”

Updated at 3:30 p.m.

Swampscott Public Schools Superintendent Pamela Angelakis said she has spoken with members of the Swampscott Police Department about an incident at Blocksidge Field Friday night that allegedly involved members of the Swampscott High School football team.

According to a statement, Angelakis became aware of the alleged incident Monday morning and spoke with Swampscott police at that time. Following that conversation, “it became clear that the incident required further investigation by Swampscott Public Schools.”

Angelakis said that she does not believe there were any adults present at the time of the incident.

The Swampscott Police Department log reveals that a caller complained of “youths having a bonfire” at Phillip’s Park, where Blocksidge Field is located, on Friday night at 9:01 p.m. Police confirmed to Patch that this log entry is related to the now ongoing investigation.

Fox25 reported that when police responded, they found 25-30 young males near the practice field, but police aren’t saying what the individuals were observed to be doing, but there are now hazing allegations.

“Understanding that all the facts have yet to be presented, I do not feel it is appropriate for the football team to take the field representing Swampscott High School at this time,” Angelakis said in her statement. “As a result, we have canceled Thursday’s freshman game and Saturday’s varsity game vs. Saugus.”

Angelakis’ full statement is below:

On Monday morning, I became aware of an incident allegedly involving members of the Swampscott High School football team at Blocksidge Field Friday night. After speaking with the Swampscott Police Department, it became clear that the incident required further investigation by Swampscott Public Schools.

From what I have been able to determine, there were no adults present at the time of the incident. Understanding that all the facts have yet to be presented, I do not feel it is appropriate for the football team to take the field representing Swampscott High School at this time. As a result, we have canceled Thursday’s freshman game and Saturday’svarsity game vs. Saugus.

While the investigation is ongoing, it is not appropriate to comment further at this time.

Updated 1:45 p.m.

Swampscott High School is investigating a reported hazing incident, according to WBZ-News.

Maureen Caron, administrative assistant in the superintendent’s office, said that the office hoped to release a statement by the end of the day, but she couldn’t provide any details as of about 1:45 p.m.

Caron did confirm that the freshman football game on Thursday, Oct. 1 as well as the Saturday, Oct. 3, varsity game have been canceled.

Check back for additional information as it becomes available.