From Bishop McCort Catholic High School
A meeting was concluded on Thursday, November 4, 2021, by the PIAA District 6 Committee to review the results of an investigation into allegations of recruiting by Bishop McCort Catholic High School.
Members of the committee presented and questioned administration, staff and parents of the student in question at this meeting and heard testimony from all parties regarding this student transfer.
School administration presented copious amounts of information regarding the 88 students who have transferred into Bishop McCort due to the school’s pandemic response with regard to in-school instruction.
As Principal/CAO Tom Smith states, “We follow the rules set by the PIAA, but feel that there needs to be equity in the manner in which the rules are enforced.”
At the conclusion of the November 4 session, the PIAA District 6 committee found Bishop McCort was in violation of the recruiting allegations. As a result, Bishop McCort has been placed on a three-year probationary period, Coach Bill Bassett has been suspended from coaching for one year and Bishop McCort wrestlers are not permitted to participate in District or State competitions for a period of 20 to 36 months.
Mr. Smith responded to this judgment, “We vehemently disagree with the outcome of this hearing and will appeal the decision with the PIAA Board of Directors in Harrisburg. We have adhered to the rules and have followed protocol in admitting all students to our school. Our main goal is, and always has been, to provide a well-rounded and quality education for the students that attend Bishop McCort.”
