Plan to Rename Stadium for Elway Postponed

Granada Hills High School has postponed renaming its Bryce Schurr Football Stadium, dedicated to the school’s founding principal, for pro football’s John Elway because of a fierce community outcry that has turned what was supposed to be a “feel-good event” ugly.

The June 5 rededication ceremony, which the Denver Bronco quarterback and Granada Hills alumnus was expected to attend, has instead been put off indefinitely as administrators and school boosters regroup in the face of letters, phone calls and negative publicity.

Critics of the change say that it is a shameful example of society’s fascination with celebrity and disregard for teachers’ dedication. Supporters of the renaming say that it is an issue being blown out of proportion by outsiders who are not active at Granada Hills High.

“The issue is, in our society, where educators do not seem to be respected, where actors and athletes are promoted, what about teachers and educators who brought Granada Hills to prominence?” said one opponent, Lee Kanon Alpert, an attorney.

Proponents note that Elway, a Stanford University graduate, was a standout athlete and scholar at his alma mater, from which he graduated in 1979.

Principal Kathy Rattay said the intention was never to push Schurr’s name aside, but to rename the entire athletic facility, including a gym and offices, in his honor.