Banned from the playoffs

WestoshaCentral-webState-ranked Westosha Central girls volleyball disqualified

By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer

For the last four years, Westosha Central High School has used the same schedule, playing eight regular season girls volleyball tournaments.

But, unknown to school administration, that was one too many in 2016, and led the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association to ban the No. 5-ranked team from postseason play Monday.

Westosha Central, a No. 1 seed that had a first round bye, expected to play at home on Saturday.

According to several regional sports outlets, the Falcons were among the favorites to make an appearance at the state championship tournament.

“The disqualification was a result of competing in one too many tournaments,” said school Athletic Director Jonathan Lindh, who was alerted to the violation Sunday. “This is the same schedule that we have been using over the past four years.”

According to WIAA bylaws, any school breaking the limit, either by accident, or on purpose, is subject to elimination from post-season play.

Lindh self reported the violation Monday, and in turn, notified team members that the Falcons are disqualified.

The ban blindsided the team members, who planned to appeal the decision at the WIAA offices in Stevens Point.

In a statement issued by the team, their appeal is based on circumstances outside their control.

“We the Westosha Central varsity volleyball players, as dedicated hardworking student-athletes have been blindsided with the news today of being disqualified from postseason play due to a scheduling error by our athletic director and coach (Charlie Berg),” the team stated.

“We, the student athletes, are filing an appeal because of the decision that was made which was beyond our control, and at no fault of our own.”

On Tuesday, Lindh expressed regret, noting they would have scratched one tournament if given notice earlier.

“Unfortunately by the time that we were notified of the mistake this season, the volleyball schedule had come to an end and no tournaments could be dropped,” he said.

Meanwhile, Westosha Central students have taken to Twitter, where they have expressed disappointment and anger about the WIAA decision to ban the team.

Teya Gaines, a recent Wilmot Union High School graduate, acknowledged the ban could be difficult for the five seniors: Kaeley Mueller, Abi Marcquenski, Julianna Ellerbrock, Nikki Stratton and Sarah Blair.

“I feel for the seniors on that team,” Gaines Tweeted. “You deserve to make your last season one to remember.”

Daniella Virre, of Westosha Central, said the decision could not have happened to a better group of fellow students.

“The volleyball girls are the last people that deserve this, they are so driven and truly love the sport they play,” Virre wrote.

In their statement, team members said they understand the need for rules, and strive to follow them while maintaining high academic standards and the Board of Education guidelines.

“We show up and follow the rigorous demands of practice and games,” the statement said. “We as athletes feel as though we are being personally punished for a mistake that is out of our control.”


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