HURRICANE, W.Va. — Hurricane High School received word from the WVSSAC on Thursday that the school’s appeal for running back Steven Handley’s eligibility was denied.
The Redskins went to the appeals board Wednesday, hoping to gain a hardship waiver year for Handley, who grew up in inner-city Columbus before being adopted by a Hurricane family.
“It left me scratching my head today more than anything,” said Hurricane coach Jeremy Taylor. “When we left Wednesday, I felt pretty good that we got our point across.”
Because Handley turned 19 before Aug. 1, he exceeds the age limit to play high school sports in West Virginia. However, Hurricane officials argued that Handley fits the criteria to be granted a waiver.
“He was in 11 different foster homes before the age of 9 in three different states,” Taylor said. “He had a drug mom and never had a chance, really—the foundation just wasn’t there for his education. He got held back in second grade and seventh grade.”
The WVSSAC, however, ruled that the age requirement isn’t something that could be circumstantial.
“He was in 11 different foster homes before the age of 9 in three different states. He had a drug mom and never had a chance, really—the foundation just wasn’t there for his education. He got held back in second grade and seventh grade.” — Hurricane High coach Jeremy Taylor
“They said the rule still applies to him and that it’s a black-and-white rule,” Taylor said. “And that’s fine, but if it’s a black-and-white rule, then don’t give a kid hope (with an appeals process). If he’s not a hardship case, then they might as well just get rid of it.
“It’s not the kid’s fault for the life he’s had. And I can see their case a little bit in that if they let him in, they’ll have to let everyone in. But if that’s the case, then they just need to get rid of the appeal. It’s just a sad day for Steven. If he would have turned 19 on Aug. 2, he’d be eligible but he’d still be 19.”
Hurricane will now take its appeal to the state board of education for another try.
“I’m hoping the state board of education will see things differently, but if not, we have done everything we can do, and we will live with the decision,” Taylor said. “I don’t have to agree with it or like it, but they’re the boss and we’ll do what they say.”
Handley was the second-leading rusher for Hurricane in 2012, behind all-state special mention Zach Pate.