Update: The school district posted on social media shortly after 6 p.m. that the game has been canceled.
“As the investigation continues, and out of an abundance of caution, we have made the decision to cancel tonight’s Pioneer Bowl event,” the post said. “The safety and security of our students, staff, families, and community remain our highest priority. … Additional information about when the game will be played will be shared at a later date. Thank you for your support and understanding.”
Initial post: The cross-town rival Pioneer Bowl football game in Tumwater is scheduled to happen Friday night at Tumwater High School despite an online threat made by a Seattle-area student, the school district superintendent said in an email to families Oct. 23.
According to an email from Superintendent Kevin Bogatin, and confirmed for The Olympian by the district’s spokesperson, the Tumwater School District was made aware Friday morning of a social media post containing a threat of “potential violence” at the Pioneer Bowl football game between A.G. West Black Hills High School and Tumwater High School.
Bogatin said in his email that upon receiving the information, district officials contacted the School Resource Officer and the Tumwater Police Department, who investigated the threat.
He said authorities were able to identify the person who made the post, and they were located at their school. His email said law enforcement was continuing to work to contact the student’s guardians.
Bogatin said in his email that authorities do not believe the threat was credible, and that the Pioneer Bowl would proceed as planned.
“First, I want to thank the students who saw this concerning post and immediately brought it to the attention of school officials,” Bogatin said in the email. “Their willingness to speak up allowed us to respond quickly and is an important reminder of the role we all play in keeping our schools and community safe.”
He said in his email that the district takes every threat of violence seriously, regardless of its perceived credibility.
“Threatening violence is a serious matter that can carry criminal consequences, and we will continue to work closely with law enforcement as this investigation proceeds,” he said.
Bogatin said the district will work with the Tumwater Police Department to have additional law enforcement personnel at the game Friday night.
“We recognize that an incident like this may cause concern for students, families, staff and community members who plan to attend,” he said. “For those attending, we ask that you remain aware of your surroundings and immediately report anything suspicious or concerning to law enforcement, school administrators or event personnel. Please do not hesitate to speak up if something does not seem right.”
Bogatin said in his email that the Pioneer Bowl is a longstanding tradition that brings the two high school communities together to celebrate student athletes, musicians, cheerleaders and more.
“We want everyone attending tonight’s game to feel welcome, supported and safe,” he said. “The safety and well-being of our students, staff, families and community will always be our highest priority.”
The Tumwater Police Department could not immediately be reached for more information regarding their investigation.
This story was originally published October 23, 2026 at 2:55 PM.
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Ty Vinson covers the City of Olympia and keeps tabs on Tumwater and other communities in Thurston County. He joined The Olympian in 2021. Before that, he earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism at Indiana University. In college, he worked as an intern at the Northwest Indiana Times, the Oregonian and the Arizona Republic as a Pulliam Fellow.
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