State Champ Devin Brown Ruled Eligible by PIAA
By Jeremy Elliott, jelliott@pennlive.com
on December 17, 2013 8:21 p.m.
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Photo by Sean Simmers PennLive
Not only does Franklin Regional have six state ranked wrestlers in the lineup, the Panthers are the No. 1 dual-meet team in the state.
Make that seven ranked hammers.
The Panthers got stronger Tuesday when the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association ruled that Devin Brown, ranked No. 1 in the state at 106-AAA, was eligible to begin wrestling, immediately.
Brown, who captured the 106-pound Class AA state title a year ago while at Saegertown, transferred to Franklin Regional before the season. District 7 ruled the transfer was for athletic intent and therefore, he had to sit out a year.
The PIAA overturned District 7’s ruling by a vote of 3-2, which makes Brown eligible to participate in matches this week.
“It was a very close vote, but some people felt the transfer was not motivated by athletic reasons,” PIAA Executive Director Dr. Bob Lombardi.
Brown, a junior, went 48-1 a year ago in his romp to gold. As a freshman, he was 42-9 and finished third in the Ohio state championships.
“Devin is a great kid, and I’m happy for him,” Panthers head coach Eric Mausser said. “I’m happy he can continue his wrestling career at Franklin Regional. I know he was excited to hear that he has been reinstated.
“It’s a new season. It’s a long season, especially with the grind we have for a schedule. We wrestle the Ironman, the Powerade and tough teams in the WPIAL, so we need to stay focused. Devin is a great addition to the team and makes our lineup solid.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]