CLEVELAND — A high school football playoff game is caught in a legal fight after the Ohio High School Athletic Association removed Glenville High School from this year’s playoffs on Thursday over student-athlete participation tied to Ginn Academy.
Officials said students who attend Ginn Academy are supposed to play sports at the Cleveland Metro school closest to their residence, which Daryl Hopes feels is unnecessary.
“What difference does it make if Ginn Academy is the school that’s being represented. Why can’t kids come from all over,” said Hopes.
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Following OHSAA's announcement, a Cuyahoga County judge granted a motion for a temporary restraining order filed Thursday, which gave Glenville a chance to play.
But now, the on-again, off-again playoff game between Glenville High School and University School is back off again, after University officials released the following statement:
“University School prepared and looked forward to competing in this year’s State Football Tournament in its match-up with Glenville, originally scheduled for the evening of Friday, October 30. We were disappointed to learn of the initial cancellation of the contest on Thursday, October 29 and, then, surprised to learn of the temporary restraining order leading the OHSAA to reschedule the game for the afternoon of Saturday, October 31. We will not compete in the now re-scheduled contest, respect the court’s prudence in deciding the ultimate outcome of the legal dispute, and will prepare to compete with Salem on Friday night if that is the resolution.”
READ MORE: Judge orders game between Glenville High School and University School to proceed
Before University School opted to not play in Saturday's game, Cleveland leaders held a press conference Friday afternoon.
“They were disappointed at first, but we’re happy right now for our children and the Glenville community to play this game,” said Conwell.
In a statement, OHSAA said:
“Following the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s removal of Cleveland Glenville from the football playoffs on Thursday (Oct. 29), the OHSAA is aware of the court order issued today (Friday, Oct. 30) requiring the playing of the football playoff game between Glenville and University School.
The OHSAA stands by its ruling issued on Thursday (Oct. 29). However, the OHSAA will comply with the court order and is working with the two schools to reschedule the game sometime this weekend. A hearing is scheduled for Monday.
To clarify information presented this afternoon, the OHSAA first requested student residential information from Cleveland Metropolitan School District on September 28. The OHSAA received an initial batch of information from CMSD on Oct. 22. On Thursday (Oct. 29) in a meeting with Glenville, the school did not object to the findings of the OHSAA audit.”
According to a statement from Cleveland Metropolitan School District, the district said they will be ready to host the game and welcome University School to the new John F. Kennedy High School football stadium on Saturday at noon.
