Judge overrules IHSA, Allows CPS XC Teams To Run Sectionals



A Cook County judge overruled the Illinois High School Association on Friday, which will allow all the Chicago Public Schools to compete in today's IHSA Sectional Cross-Country Championships, according to a report in the Chicago Sun-Times 

The CPS cross-country teams were not permitted to compete at the Regional Championships last weekend because of the Chicago Teachers Union strike, which ended earlier this week.

Last week's Regional Championships provided the opportunity for XC teams and runners to qualify for the Sectional Championships, but Judge Neil H. Cohen's ruling has allowed all CPS teams impacted by the strike to run in the Sectionals Championships despite not running at the Regionals.    

The Illinois High School Association, which prohibits teams from competing in the postseason if the state series begins while the district is on strike, denied an appeal earlier on Friday by CPS teams to run at Sectionals.  

Cohen told the Chicago Sun-Times that called the policy vague.

Last week a Cook County judge denied a temporary restraining order that had been sought by parents of cross country athletes at Jones College Prep. 

IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson confirmed that all CPS runners will be permitted to compete at today's Sectionals, and that all the sites will be prepared.   


Since Cohen's ruling didn't come until last night, CPS coaches were hustling to get in touch with their teams to set up plans to compete today.