by ClassBEast » Wed Jan 13, 2010 9:56 am
Lehmann brothers get OK to wrestle at West Fargo
By: Heath Hotzler, INFORUM
The North Dakota High School Activities Association has ruled that West Fargo wrestling standouts Tyler and Preston Lehmann’s varsity eligibility will continue uninterrupted after it was determined the Lehmann family did not break NDHSAA transfer rules.
In a letter to Fargo North Principal Andy Dahlen and West Fargo activities director Curt Jones dated Jan. 11, activities association executive secretary Sherm Sylling wrote:
“Based on the information I received, I believe this to be a legitimate move by the Lehmann family and varsity eligibility for the two sons will continue.”
The schools received the letter Tuesday.
Tyler’s and Preston’s eligibility came into question last month when Dahlen requested an investigation into both wrestlers’ transfers to West Fargo.
Tyler transferred from Apple Valley, Minn., and Preston from Fargo North.
“We appreciate the time and effort it took for the NDHSAA to investigate the eligibility question regarding the Lehmann brothers,” Dahlen said Tuesday in an e-mail to The Forum. “The question of eligibility surfaced about residency following The Forum’s article on the Lehmann brothers transfer to West Fargo. We accept the decision from the high school activities association and will not appeal.”
Scott and Ellen Lehmann, Tyler’s and Preston’s parents, have a residence in West Fargo. The couple also owns a residence in north Fargo that they use to run a daycare facility.
According to NDHSAA bylaws, a family must totally vacate their existing home and move into a new school district to be eligible immediately to participate in activities. If there isn’t a change in residence, an athlete is required to sit out varsity competition for 180 school days.
The bylaw stipulates that “a second residence shall not meet the requirement” of a change in residence.
“The Zoning Administrator for the City of Fargo has determined the Lehmann family has actually moved to an address in the West Fargo School District and will be contacting them regarding business regulations,” Sylling wrote.
Jones did not return phone calls Tuesday seeking comment.