JOHNSTOWN, Pa (WJAC) — Bishop McCort’s wrestling program has been put on probation for an investigation into possible recruitment violations of the PIAA by-laws.
At a committee hearing Friday, members discussed a previous vote to deny eligibility for one of McCort’s wrestlers, a decision that has now been paused until a final hearing is held.
6 Sports learned that the committee also voted to place the program on “immediate probation” due to the investigation.
All decisions in the investigation will be finalized at a committee hearing scheduled for Nov. 3.
Bishop McCort was previously put on probation for similar violations in 2017, resulting in the termination of their previous head wrestling coach.
Throughout the past year, Bishop McCort has welcomed 88 transfers into our school. We are proud to provide an excellent educational option to the students of the region. Our outstanding teachers and staff have created an amazing environment for students in the region to excel during a turbulent time in education due to the pandemic. I have signed off on 88 students citing that I believe those students came to Bishop McCort for the excellent education that we are providing and not for athletics. I have also made it very clear to all transfers that if the sending school’s administration claimed that the student was “following the coach” or any other infraction, the family would be subject to a hearing before the District 6 committee. All of the coaches at Bishop McCort have been trained in how to respond to any inquiries about a McCort education. These coaches and staff have been vigilant in following the rules as they pertain to transfer students. At Bishop McCort we believe in hiring the best staff members to support our students in ALL aspects of student life. I believe no rules have been broken and I welcome the opportunity to work with the D6 committee through this investigative process. Bishop McCort has been very transparent regarding all aspects of everything that we have offered during the pandemic with the committee regarding education, athletics and those who have transferred into Bishop McCort due to our pandemic response. We are excited to have all 88 transfer students and look forward to offering more cutting-edge academic programs for the continued success of Bishop McCort students now and in the future. We will continue to work hard to advocate for each and every student, family and their right to provide the best possible education for children to develop as well-rounded members of the community.
