A controversial halftime walk-off has come to an equally controversial conclusion.
During a Perrysburg-Anthony Wayne boys lacrosse game last week, the contest stopped at halftime when Perrysburg players left the field after allegations that an Anthony Wayne player hurled a racial slur at a Perrysburg player.
In a joint statement Wednesday, administrators and athletic directors from both schools explained their conclusion.
“Immediately following the incident, a collaborative investigation was initiated by our athletic directors and other administrative personnel, in conjunction with the NLL,” the statement read. “This included reviewing the game film, interviewing players and gathering statements from game officials. It has been determined that there is insufficient evidence to substantiate the alleged incident.
“In regards to the resolution of the game, we must follow the National Federation of High Schools Lacrosse Rules as it applies to this situation under Rule 3, Section 6 and per OHSAA guidance. Since the Perrysburg team left the game before its conclusion and the game was not suspended by the game officials, Perrysburg must forfeit the game and the score will be recorded as Anthony Wayne 1, Perrysburg 0.”
Perrysburg is currently in first place in the NLL. If AW defeats Bowling Green on Wednesday, they will share the championship with the Yellow Jackets.
“We are sensitive to the fact that this leaves our students and communities without a clear understanding of what happened and with more questions than conclusive answers,” the statement continued. “This can lead to speculation, misinterpretation and misinformation being shared. We ask that, out of respect for the minors involved, we begin to move forward to improve sportsmanship, foster a climate of inclusivity and rebuild the spirit of friendly athletic rivalry.”
On June 10, Perrysburg and AW will host a meeting for area schools — public and private — that will include superintendents, principals, ADs, and athletes to discuss how to better communicate and collaborate in the future.
The letter, to "families and community members," was signed by Anthony Wayne Superintendent Jim Fritz, Perrysburg Superintendent Thomas Hosler, Anthony Wayne High School Principal Kevin Pfefferle, Perrysburg High School Principal Aaron Cookson, Anthony Wayne Athletic Director/Assistant Principal John Snyder, and Perrysburg High School Athletic Director Chuck Jaco.
First Published May 4, 2022, 6:59 p.m.
