Aliquippa Football Wins Appeal To Remain In Class 4A
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Aliquippa football is not moving up in classification.
The team will remain in Class 4A for the next two years, the PIAA board voted Wednesday. The board voted 21 to 4 in favor of the school's appeal. One member abstained from the vote.
It was a decision that came as a surprise to school leaders. They didn't think they would win. During the appeal hearing, there were some tense moments with school leaders and board members over rules and ethics guidelines.
According to PIAA, due to the success and number of transfers, the team was set to move to 5A. Based solely on enrollment, the team is technically a 1A school. It's been playing above its class for years.
The biggest concern from school leaders about moving up to another class was the safety of the players. The team fields about 35 to 40 players and that number can drop as the season goes on due to injuries. Some of the teams in 5A have more than 100 players.
Superintendent Dr. Phillip Woods spoke to KDKA while to board deliberated.
"Regardless of the outcome, I feel that myself, the head coach, the high school principal, the athletic director, and the community did what was required in advocating for the safety of our children. Regardless of the appeal, I felt like we accomplished that goal," he said.
Coach Mike Warfield said Aliquippa will be prepared for whomever it plays this season.
