This is in regards to Preston Pitts #80 that transferred to Hirschi this summer. His stepdad has a house in Rider attendance zone but they got a rent house in the Hirschi attendance zone.
A Statement from WFISD Athletic Director Scot Hafley:
On the evening of October 7, the UIL and each member school of district 3-4A received an email claiming players on the Hirschi High School football team do not live in the correct attendance zone. On Tuesday, October 11, I made a home visit to locate the family in question. On that day, the family provided documentation of a lease agreement for an address in the Hirschi attendance zone that was used to register for school. However, the family relocated to a new home in the Rider attendance zone after school started without our knowledge. The player in question completed the UIL’s Previous Athletic Participation Form (PAPF), and it was approved by District 3-4A and the UIL.
The player in question previously played football for Graham ISD. In August, Hirschi Athletic Coordinator and Head Football Coach Lawrence Johnson contacted Graham ISD regarding this player. Coach Johnson was informed by a Graham ISD representative that the district would sign the PAPF and they had not experienced any issues with the student or family. Since that time, we have learned that information was not true.
On Wednesday, October 12, the District 3-4A Executive Committee met to determine the outcome of the Wichita Falls Hirschi vs Graham football game played on October 7. The committee voted 3-0 to award the win to Hirschi High School. Following the hearing, I was asked to provide an update regarding the eligibility of players on the Hirschi varsity football team.
According to UIL rules, a player is considered ineligible if he does not remain in the attendance zone of his school for one calendar year. On Thursday, October 13 I requested the District 3-4A Executive Committee grant Hirschi the opportunity to apply for a UIL retroactive residence waiver due to the circumstances surrounding the allegations.
The committee approved this, and the application process will begin. However, the 3-4A Executive Committee also voted to rescind yesterday’s decision regarding the outcome of the game. Sweetwater ISD, Snyder ISD, and Midland Greenwood voted to rule the October 7 contest between Hirschi and Graham a double forfeiture.
While I am personally frustrated with this decision, I recognize that it is the responsibility of the receiving school to verify the residency of all athletes. Coach Johnson and I failed to ensure this athlete remained in the Hirschi attendance zone for one calendar year.
I am disappointed by the circumstances surrounding this case and the manner in which it was reported to us, but we will enforce the UIL rules and decision of the 3-4A Executive Committee.
A Statement from WFISD Athletic Director Scot Hafley:
On the evening of October 7, the UIL and each member school of district 3-4A received an email claiming players on the Hirschi High School football team do not live in the correct attendance zone. On Tuesday, October 11, I made a home visit to locate the family in question. On that day, the family provided documentation of a lease agreement for an address in the Hirschi attendance zone that was used to register for school. However, the family relocated to a new home in the Rider attendance zone after school started without our knowledge. The player in question completed the UIL’s Previous Athletic Participation Form (PAPF), and it was approved by District 3-4A and the UIL.
The player in question previously played football for Graham ISD. In August, Hirschi Athletic Coordinator and Head Football Coach Lawrence Johnson contacted Graham ISD regarding this player. Coach Johnson was informed by a Graham ISD representative that the district would sign the PAPF and they had not experienced any issues with the student or family. Since that time, we have learned that information was not true.
On Wednesday, October 12, the District 3-4A Executive Committee met to determine the outcome of the Wichita Falls Hirschi vs Graham football game played on October 7. The committee voted 3-0 to award the win to Hirschi High School. Following the hearing, I was asked to provide an update regarding the eligibility of players on the Hirschi varsity football team.
According to UIL rules, a player is considered ineligible if he does not remain in the attendance zone of his school for one calendar year. On Thursday, October 13 I requested the District 3-4A Executive Committee grant Hirschi the opportunity to apply for a UIL retroactive residence waiver due to the circumstances surrounding the allegations.
The committee approved this, and the application process will begin. However, the 3-4A Executive Committee also voted to rescind yesterday’s decision regarding the outcome of the game. Sweetwater ISD, Snyder ISD, and Midland Greenwood voted to rule the October 7 contest between Hirschi and Graham a double forfeiture.
While I am personally frustrated with this decision, I recognize that it is the responsibility of the receiving school to verify the residency of all athletes. Coach Johnson and I failed to ensure this athlete remained in the Hirschi attendance zone for one calendar year.
I am disappointed by the circumstances surrounding this case and the manner in which it was reported to us, but we will enforce the UIL rules and decision of the 3-4A Executive Committee.
