University School declines to play rescheduled Glenville playoff game
The Cuyahoga County match is on hold for a third time after a judge ordered the game to proceed, leaving Glenville waiting for a Monday court hearing.
By Abigail Brooks ·
University School will not play Glenville High School in their rescheduled Ohio high school football playoff game on Saturday. The decision leaves the match in limbo after a Cuyahoga County judge ordered the contest to proceed following a legal dispute over player eligibility.
The Ohio High School Athletic Association removed Glenville from the playoffs on Thursday, October 29. Officials cited student-athlete participation rules tied to Ginn Academy. The association stated that students attending Ginn Academy should play sports at the Cleveland Metro school closest to their residence.
A judge granted a temporary restraining order on Thursday that allowed Glenville to compete. The OHSAA complied with the court order and rescheduled the game for Saturday afternoon at noon. The new venue is the John F. Kennedy High School football stadium in Cleveland.
University School issued a statement explaining its decision to sit out the rescheduled contest. The school noted it was disappointed by the initial cancellation and surprised by the sudden rescheduling. University officials said they would respect the court's process and prepare to play Salem on Friday night if that becomes the final resolution.
Daryl Hopes, who supports Glenville's eligibility, questioned the residency requirement. Hopes asked why it matters which school is represented if the students are local. He argued that kids from all over should be allowed to compete.
The OHSAA said it stands by its original ruling but will comply with the court order. A hearing regarding the dispute is scheduled for Monday. The association clarified that it requested residential information from the Cleveland Metropolitan School District on September 28. It received an initial batch of data on October 22. During a meeting on October 29, Glenville did not object to the association's audit findings.
Local leaders held a press conference on Friday afternoon to support Glenville. One official said the community is happy the children have the chance to play. The Cleveland Metropolitan School District confirmed it is ready to host the game at the new stadium on Saturday at noon.
Source: News 5 Cleveland (WEWS)
