Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Judge's Ruling In Eligibility Case Goes Against Aquinas

TWC News

The Aquinas Institute football season is over. State Supreme Court Judge Scott Odorisi issued a written decision Friday after hearing arguments earlier in the day on a lawsuit brought by Aquinas. School officials were trying to overturn a Section V ruling that made the school forfeit its quarterfinal victory last week for using an ineligible player.

Star quarterback Jake Zembiec played in only two regular season games because of a broken wrist. Zembiec was cleared to play in the regular season finale, but coaches said they decided to give him another week off. He returned to play in last week's quarterfinal playoff win over Pittsford.

Section V declared Zembiec ineligible because he did not participate in a minimum three games of the regular season, as required by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association. The school was told Zembiec’s third appearance did not count because he was not ready to take the field.

Aquinas Institute President Mike Daley tells WXXI News  he still feels going to court over this issue was the right thing to do.

"We went through a long process and an expensive process because we thought it wasn't just. Certainly Section five administrators have to support and defend rules and regulations; we just felt we didn't break any.”

The decision means Pittsford will face Rush-Henrietta in the Section V Class AA semi-final game on Saturday.  The Pittsford School Superintendent Michael Pero says it has been an emotional week for the community, and the district remains respectful of the court decision. Pittsford's Athletic Director, Scott Barker says that the district's thoughts are with the Aquinas team and community and he expressed respect for the Aquinas program. Barker says Pittsford realizes all of the hard work they put into this season and "how difficult this must be for them."

Robert Zayas is Executive Director for the New York State Public High School Athletic Association. He does not view this court decision as a victory for the state association.

"I really think when you look at what transpired over the course of the last week kids were negatively impacted by the events that transpired, and I really think attention was taken away from the accomplishments and the achievements of what we really should have been focused upon which was those teams and kids that were playing in the playoffs.”

 

Randy Gorbman is WXXI's director of news and public affairs. Randy manages the day-to-day operations of WXXI News on radio, television, and online.