Middletown High School’s undefeated football season ended Friday when the district withdrew an emergency court petition in Orange County Supreme Court.
State Supreme Court Justice Verris Shako presided over the two-hour hearing in Goshen. Attorneys for opposing schools argued that rules apply consistently.
District Drops Legal Challenge
The legal challenge followed a Section IX ruling that disqualified the Middie Bears from the Section IX Class AA championship game against Newburgh Free Academy. Middletown exhausted administrative appeals with Section IX and the New York State Public High School Athletic Association.
“There are tough decisions that have to be made at times,” Shako said.
The courtroom reached capacity with players, students, parents, and school officials. Middletown’s legal representation acknowledged that the court was constrained by existing eligibility rules.
The district’s Article 78 proceeding, filed by Superintendent Amy Creeden on Wednesday, sought a temporary restraining order before being withdrawn Friday afternoon.
State Senator James Skoufis, Middletown Mayor Joseph DeStefano, Assemblywoman Paula Elaine Kay, and District Attorney David Hoovler voiced support for the district’s challenge.
Infraction Ends Season
The eligibility dispute stemmed from a November 6 playoff game against Valley Central, which Middletown won 48-15. A special teams player who previously competed on the school’s soccer team participated for 53 seconds without meeting a postseason requirement to appear on the roster for at least three regular-season games.
Newburgh coaches contacted Valley Central after spotting the player on game film. Valley Central Athletic Director Theresa Uhelsky reported the infraction to Section IX.
Creeden acknowledged the administrative mistake by district adults. The program faced forfeiture issues in 2019 when using an ineligible player during the regular season.
“While we understand Middletown's desire to protect its athletes from adult mistakes, it is deeply disappointing that our own student-athletes and coaches are now being unfairly criticized and scapegoated in the aftermath,” Newburgh Enlarged City School District Superintendent Dr. Jackielyn Manning Campbell said.
Championship Matchup Unaffected
“While we are deeply, deeply disappointed that we are unable to find a remedy for our young people, our hearts are with our football team and cheerleading scholars who have given so much to this remarkable football season and cheerleading season,” Creeden said.
Valley Central assumed Middletown’s place in the bracket following the forfeit.
“At this point, our kids are focused on doing the best they can in the championship game,” Newburgh football coach, Bill Bianco said.
The Vikings are scheduled to face Newburgh Free Academy for the Section IX Class AA championship at Monroe-Woodbury High School.
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