 |
||||||||
 |
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
Feldman loses appeal to FHSAA
By KEITH NIEBUHR, Times Staff Writer
"I'm just devastated," Citrus AD Vicki Overman says after the hearing. INVERNESS -- Citrus' appeal to have the eligibility of Bret Feldman restored Thursday in Ocala was unsuccessful, meaning the junior's season could be over. The Hurricanes standout was ruled ineligible two weeks ago for violating the Florida High School Activities Association residency rule. He began the school year at Saddlebrook Prep then switched to Citrus in January, citing academics. FHSAA bylaws state that if a student changes schools in the current school year and changes the person with whom they live, the athlete becomes ineligible the rest of the year. Feldman, who attended Citrus his first two years, said he boarded at Saddlebrook during the week and lived with his family in Citrus County on weekends. For Feldman to become eligible, Citrus had to show an FHSAA appeals committee there were "unavoidable conditions or events that are beyond the control of the student and/or his parents." The committee "said we failed to prove a true hardship," Citrus athletic director Vicki Overman said. "They said the reasons we gave (for the transfer) were good reasons but not actually a hardship. It was just his choice to come back. ... I'm just devastated." Feldman can take his case to the FHSAA Board of Directors. But the board does not meet until March 30, at which time 75 percent of the Hurricanes' season will be complete. Feldman has a 4.2 GPA. He was all-area last year after going 16-0 at No. 2 singles and earning a trip to state in doubles. He moved into the top spot this season and was expected to contend for area player of the year honors. Feldman could not be reached for comment. He did not attend the appeal, but Overman and Feldman's mother did. "He took it like a young man," Overman said. "He's disappointed, but there was no show of anger. He's really such a first-class kid. I hate for this to happen to him."
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111 
|
Citrus Times | ||||||||||||||||||||
