At the monthly WPIAL board of directors meeting Monday, eligibility rulings were the main topic of action.
District officials had two eligibility hearings for prominent football players. They approved Jackson Mickens’ eligibility after his move from Geibel Catholic to Uniontown, and they denied eligibility for Zion Smith after his transfer from Serra Catholic to Pine-Richland.
Mickens, a rising junior and Division I prospect, was the Class 3A Interstate Conference All-Purpose Player of the Year last season as a running back and outside linebacker. He rushed for 442 and seven touchdowns, had six catches for 80 yards and led the team with 11 touchdowns. On defense, he had 47 tackles, including 171/2 for loss, and a team-high nine sacks. He also had an interception, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble.
As a freshman linebacker last fall, Smith had 91 tackles (65 solo), including 20 for a loss, three sacks and four forced fumbles.
Officials also made eligibility determinations that could lead to hearings in the near future.
Ruled eligible to participate athletically in the upcoming school year:
• Nicholas Black from St. Joseph to Burrell (basketball)
• Giovanni Guerriere from Laurel Highlands to Albert Gallatin (football)
• Dionte Henry Jr. from Sewickley Academy to Moon (football)
• Evangeline Offi from North Catholic to Oakland Catholic (basketball)
• Julius Page from Neighborhood Academy to Chartiers Valley (basketball)
• Chase Porter from St. Joseph to Burrell (basketball)
• Nasir Roccman from McKeesport to South Allegheny (football)
• Michael Smith from Archbishop Rymmel in New Orleans to Bishop Canevin (football)
• Ryder Shulin from Montour to Bishop Canevin (football)
Ruled ineligible to participate athletically in the upcoming school year:
• Ryder Carr from Lincoln Park to Beaver (wrestling)
• Jance Henry from Archbishop Hoban in Ohio to Moon (football)
• Jordyn Kelly from Union to New Castle (football, basketball, track and field)
• Robert Mrozek from Union to Mohawk (basketball)
• Jaivin Peel from Lincoln Park/Western Beaver to Beaver (football, track and field)
• Amaizen Straughters from Lincoln Park to Pine-Richland (basketball)
• Kylen Taylor from Life Stream Academy to Pine-Richland (football)
These athletes can formally request a hearing on the decision to the WPIAL board.
Two transfers were ruled eligible for the regular season but ineligible for the postseason:
• Levi Wynn at Aliquippa (football, basketball, track and field) and Carter Grinnen at Mohawk (football, basketball)
One other item of note, a co-op was agreed upon between Wilmington and Laurel for girls wrestling.
A co-op occurs between two schools when one of the schools does not offer a particular sport.
“They are neighbors in Lawrence County and they already have a co-op for boys wrestling,” WPIAL executive director Vince Sortino said.