By Kate Wilcox

Published: Tuesday, November 13, 2012, 1:16 a.m.
Updated: Friday, March 29, 2013

Controversy over where the elementary boys basketball practice will be held was settled for the time being by Highlands School Board Monday night.

Organizers from the boys elementary team came to the board meeting to ask about conflicting information they received about the practice area available for students.

About 100 boys are enrolled in the program, which is normally held in Grandview Upper Elementary School gymnasium.

Because board member Ronald Lang is organizing a girls basketball team, the boys basketball program must share that space with the girls organization. So far, the girls team has about 20 students signed up.

The boys program organizers were told to use the school's cafeteria to practice, but found out that the tables in the cafeteria could not be stored in their regular spaces because reams of paper for the district are being stored there.

“We keep getting sent around in a circle,” said organizer and elementary school mother Liz Thimons. “Now we don't know where to go.”

Acting Superintendent Patrick Graczyk told parents to use the cafeteria, as long as that is a safe option.

He added that they could also use their assigned hours at the gym, which the organizers said were too late for elementary students. The hours run until about 10 p.m.

Dan Thimons said that the boys' group will have to move cafeteria tables before every practice.

Two high school students came before the board to ask about rumors that the wrestling team would be disbanded.

Nolan Wise, an 11th-grader who is on the varsity wrestling team, said that his teammates were told to find six or seven additions to the five-person varsity team or the program would be canceled.

Board members and administrators said they had not heard about that request.

Graczyk said that a decision is being made about whether to continue the program.

Kate Wilcox is a freelance writer for Trib Total Media. Comments regarding this story may be sent to 724-226-4666 or vndcity@tribweb.com.is a personnel matter.

“We have a very qualified coach,” Wise said.

The boys were assured that the program would not be canceled, but could be suspended, and they would still be able to compete on their own.

1. Pens’ Shero talks with Letang’s agent
2. NHL insider: Penguins’ Shero seems ready to move Letang
3. Judge deals setback to Steelers’ quest to expand Heinz Field
4. Steelers rookie safety Thomas learning from Polamalu, Clark
5. Esmark celebrates new headquarters in Edgeworth
6. Bethel Park offensive lineman picks Pitt
7. Contractor charged with failing to use grant for Jeannette building
8. Penguins notebook: Pens talking with Dupuis’ reps
9. City police investigating whether officer who gave ride to mayor’s ex-bodyguard broke any department regulations
10. Pirates notebook: Beanballs escalate tension against Reds
11. Girl injured in ATV accident in Butler County

There are currently no comments for this story.
Subscribe today! Click here for our subscription offers.