Just one day after North Allegheny was forced to forfeit to Shaler in the Section 3-AAA championship because it had too many matches, the Section 3-AA race was thrown into disarray when Beth-Center was forced to forfeit a match to Jeff-Morgan Wednesday.
The forfeit was caused by Ray Yorty, a 119-pound junior for the Bulldogs, competing at 112 pounds in a 36-28 victory over the Rockets Jan. 17. Yorty, who pinned J-M's Ryan Teegarden in the second period, was certified to wrestle no lower than 119 pounds.
"We found out (Wednesday) and called the WPIAL,'' said George Rice, athletic director at Beth-Center. "We called (WPIAL executvie secretary) Larry Hanley and told him about it. It was just a mistake.''
The forfeit left the Bulldogs' section record at 4-3 while Jeff-Morgan improved to 5-2, tying the Rockets with Bentworth for third place.
The inclement weather forced the rescheduling of Jeff-Morgan at West Greene match, and Bentworth at Beth-Center to tonight. If Beth-Center defeats Bentworth, and West Greene downs Jeff-Morgan, a three-way tie would exist for third place and each would advance.
Washington (8-0) clinched the section title and West Greene (6-1) can finish no worse than a tie for second place.
"We need to beat Bentworth to get into the team championships now,'' Rice said. "Now, it makes this match even more important.''
The certification of a wrestler is determined before the season by a physician. It is the lowest weight at which a wrestler can wrestle.
Two seasons ago, a clerical error left Fort Cherry's George Fedinetz certified at 145 pounds. Fedinetz was supposed to be certified at 125 pounds. The WPIAL struck a compromise, allowing Fedinetz to compete at 135.
"Our coach (Bill Mylan) thought Ray had 112 down on his certification,'' said Rice. "It was just an error. We both caught it.''
Ties are not expected in the other two weight classes. Southmoreland, Shady Side Academy, and the winner of the Burrell-Valley match will qualify in Section 1-AA. Burgettstown, South Side Beaver and Fort Cherry have clinched in Section 2.
Wednesday's postponements probably will mean the pairings for the team tournament, especially in Class AA, will not be completed until Friday. The pairing meeting is scheduled for this morning
Copyright ©1998 Observer Publishing Co.
Last updated 2-5-98
B-C snafu muddies the water in Section 3-AA
BY JOE TUSCANO
THE OBSERVER-REPORTER
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