By Michael Adams
Austin Sports Journal

The UIL executive committee on Wednesday postponed a ruling on a appeal to the decision that led to Liberty Hill being named the the Class 5A Division II boys state soccer champions.

A Highland Park parent, identified by the Dallas Morning News as Cara Pierce, filed an appeal to the ruling that led to the Scots forfeiting their state championship win over Liberty Hill, along with five district games.

In the executive committee’s meeting, Pierce claimed her son shouldn’t have been ruled ineligible under the “no pass, no play” law passed in the Texas senate in 2007. The bill exempts honors courses from being considered in determining academic eligibility for athletic events.

UIL executive director Jamey Harrison was not part of Wednesday’s hearing due to a potential conflict of interest. The Liberty Hill Independent said Harrison is a resident of Liberty Hill.

Highland Park athletic director Jeremy Gilbert said during the hearing that there’s been a longstanding practice at Highland Park that any student that received a grade of 70 or below in pre-calculus was ineligible to participate in athletics.

Highland Park self-reported the the violation after the Scots defeated Liberty Hill 2-0 in the state championship game and forfeited the title. The UIL awarded the Panthers the championship. Liberty Hill held a celebration last week as the team was awarded their gold medals and trophy.

As part of the appeal, Pierce is asking the UIL to name Highland Park and Liberty Hill as co-champions.

The UIL said a decision will be made at a later date.