SPRINGFIELD -- A recent basketball game between Wayne and Springfield high school looked more like a wrestling match, when a fist started flying on the court and players emptied the bench and fans ran from the stands.
"It was a very spirited game traditional rivalry, said Springfield School Superintendent, Dr. David Estrop with slight smile. He says what happened on January 9th at their gymnasium was no laughing matter. "Not here and not at Wayne that's not how we want our students to compete it's not how we want out fans to behave."
Punishments were swift following the Ohio State Athletic Association policies by the letter, 8 players from Wayne and 9 from Springfield were suspended two games for leaving the bench.
Dr. Estrop says he wants everyone to know the actions won't be tolerated and Superintendent of Huber Heights Schools Susan Gunnell agrees. She emailed us this statement. "A meeting to discuss logistics for the upcoming basketball game between Wayne and Springfield will be held on Monday, January 26 at Wayne HS. The Springfield principal, AD, basketball coach and security director will meet with the WHS principal, AD, basketball coach and security director. In addition to discussing logistics, opportunities for team building will also be shared."
Dr. Estrop is also waiting for a final report from Columbus officials to see if additional punishment is necessary. "We want them to appreciate the action and the intensity but the players need to play the game by he rules and if they don't suffer the consequences and we expect the fans to enjoy the game by the rules or except the consequences."
"It was a very spirited game traditional rivalry, said Springfield School Superintendent, Dr. David Estrop with slight smile. He says what happened on January 9th at their gymnasium was no laughing matter. "Not here and not at Wayne that's not how we want our students to compete it's not how we want out fans to behave."
Punishments were swift following the Ohio State Athletic Association policies by the letter, 8 players from Wayne and 9 from Springfield were suspended two games for leaving the bench.
Dr. Estrop says he wants everyone to know the actions won't be tolerated and Superintendent of Huber Heights Schools Susan Gunnell agrees. She emailed us this statement. "A meeting to discuss logistics for the upcoming basketball game between Wayne and Springfield will be held on Monday, January 26 at Wayne HS. The Springfield principal, AD, basketball coach and security director will meet with the WHS principal, AD, basketball coach and security director. In addition to discussing logistics, opportunities for team building will also be shared."
Dr. Estrop is also waiting for a final report from Columbus officials to see if additional punishment is necessary. "We want them to appreciate the action and the intensity but the players need to play the game by he rules and if they don't suffer the consequences and we expect the fans to enjoy the game by the rules or except the consequences."