Holy Ghost Prep applies to join the Philadelphia Catholic League

Holy Ghost Prep, a member of the Bicentennial Athletic League for more than four decades, has formally applied to join the Philadelphia Catholic League.

Jim Stewart, Holy Ghost's athletic director, said Wednesday that the school had sent a letter of application to Jake Serfass, the Catholic League chairman and director of athletics at Father Judge.

"We're excited about the possibility of becoming a member of a great league with a storied history," Stewart said. "Another benefit is that we would be part of a league with many similar-size Catholic schools."

Holy Ghost, an all-boys' private school in Bensalem, sponsors 14 varsity sports and is a member of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association.

Stewart said Holy Ghost has requested to join the Catholic League beginning with the 2019-20 school year.

Holy Ghost's application will be discussed and voted on at the next Catholic League board of directors' meeting, which is scheduled for Oct. 4.

Ultimately, the Catholic League board of governors, which is made up of principals from member schools, would have to vote to accept Holy Ghost Prep as its newest member.

Devon Prep, formerly of the Bicentennial Athletic League, joined the Catholic League this school year. Also an all-boys' private school, it sponsors 11 varsity sports.

The Devon Prep soccer team gained its first Catholic League victory with a 2-0 decision against visiting Archbishop Ryan last week.

The Catholic League has a total of 18 members.