CAMPBELL SPORTS, Wis. (WBAY) – Campbell Sports high school athletes facing disqualification issues with the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) received good news Friday after receiving support from the community and lawmakers. Ta.
Josh Onwunyiri is now eligible to compete in Monday's Division 2 track and field meet. He will compete in the men's 100-meter dash, men's 4×100-meter relay and men's 200-meter dash at the Kiel Regional meet, according to the WIAA heat sheet.
He said there had been an unexpected turnaround in the last 24 hours.
“Honestly, I never thought this would happen,” Josh said. “I'm shocked that it happened because I thought, 'Time is running out and it's not going to happen,' and I'm really excited that it happened.”
This was done after Josh's exemption was denied by the WIAA on the basis that his parents currently reside in Ghana. His mother returned to the United States this week, but her father does not have a visa to return. According to WIAA rules, full-time students can only compete in varsity at schools that are within the same boundaries as their parents' homes.
On Friday, after Representatives Glenn Grossman and Jerry O'Connor worked with Ghana to obtain the necessary documentation, the WIAA recognized extenuating circumstances surrounding his lack of eligibility and approved his exemption. I was able to do that.
“A combination of media pressure and legislators using their influence led to the right decision being made. We just received official notification that Josh's exemption application has been approved.” Run, Josh, run! ”
Josh says it was a team effort. State legislators, school districts and people from surrounding communities have come together to ask the WIAA to make an exception and “let Josh go.”
“We're grateful for this opportunity for him. He's a great athlete,” said Derek Toshner, head track coach at Campbellsport High School. “He deserves to run races in front of everyone and be the showcase athlete that everyone wants to see.”
The community and his supporters will be cheering Josh on as he prepares for Monday's game. He says he is beyond grateful for all the support he has received.
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