MILWAUKEE — When Jennifer Waldherr learned that dozens of Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) athletes’ football seasons had been cut short because school leaders had failed to complete proper paperwork, she put to work.

“When I saw on the news about these two teams, I decided I was fighting for both schools,” Waldherr said. “I called the WIAA on Monday and my first question was, ‘How do we appeal?’ »

Kaylee Staral

Earlier in the week, high school football players in Pulaski and Bay View were forced to end their seasons early, and they will also be banned from the playoffs for the next two seasons.

Since Pulaski won the Blackbourn Division and was elevated to the Richardson Division, and Bay View was relegated to Blackbourn, some paperwork needed to be completed.

MPS has not submitted these documents to the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA).

Kaylee Staral

“A few of my friends play on the team. They were devastated. We spent the whole year practicing,” said Jayda Rosa, a Bay View High School sophomore and Waldherr’s granddaughter.

“I’m here today to fight for the school and get us back on the roster.”

In response to the situation, Waldherr and his family wrote two petitions: one asking the WIAA to reinstate the teams for next year’s playoffs, and another calling for the removal of Bobbie Kelsey, the current MPS sports commissioner.

On Sunday, the family set up tables in front of Bay View and Pulaski high schools.

Throughout the afternoon, community members came out to show their support by signing the petitions.

One Pulaski graduate expressed frustration, saying, “How do you punish kids?

Waldherr said the petitions aim to demonstrate to the WIAA how concerned the community is about this issue.

“If we come together and make our voices heard loud enough, they will change their minds,” Waldherr said. “Even though I don’t know any kids in the programs, I want them to know that we love them and support them no matter what.”

MPS said it appealed the WIAA’s decision, but it was too late for this season since both teams have already played their final games.

Waldherr said he hopes to get as many signatures as possible over the next few weeks. They plan to create an online petition and spend more time in the community before delivering the petitions to MPS and WIAA.

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