Jarod Verkleeren Takes Eligibility Fight to Court
Ken Wunderley of the Post-Gazette
Belle Vernon wrestler Jarod Verkleeren was ruled ineligible to wrestle in the Class AAA Section 2 tournament Saturday at Ringgold High School due to a misinterpretation of PIAA rules by Leopards coach Mike Doppelheuer.
The family has responded with a lawsuit against Doppelheuer, the Belle Vernon School District, Superintendent Dr. John D. Wilkinson and the WPIAL. Verkleeren’s mother, Tami, wasn’t happy with Wilkinson’s decision to back Doppelheuer. She hired a lawyer and found a magistrate in Westmoreland County to hear their case.
According to Tami Verkleeren, there was a “preliminary emergency injunction” granted and there is a hearing at 1 p.m. Wednesday. She stated that “they will decide whether Jarod can wrestle-off … ”