CPS cross-country runners back in Saturday’s state meets after judge overrules IHSA

Cook County Judge Neil H. Cohen ruled Friday that all CPS cross-country teams should be allowed to run in the state sectionals on Saturday.

CPS cross-country teams were removed from the state meets due to the Chicago Teachers Union strike. They missed out on regionals last weekend.

Illinois High School Association rules prohibit teams from competing in the postseason if the state series begins while the district is on strike. Cohen called the policy vague.

“I’m tired of adults making decisions that rob children of their childhood and their dreams,” Cohen said. “It isn’t going to hurt the IHSA to let these kids run.”

“I was just holding out hope this would happen,” Jones cross-country runner Ian Bacon said. Now we have the opportunity we’ve been looking for this entire time.”

Simeon’s football team received a waiver after appealing to the IHSA board last week. It allowed the team into the state playoffs despite only playing seven games. IHSA bylaws mandate at least eight games.

“Why is an exception made for football teams to compete when it’s not made for individual sports, like cross country,” Cohen said. “You’re cherry-picking who you waive policies for.

IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson said the sectional hosts were prepped for this potential outcome.

“We have been working this evening to get them the information necessary to expand their meets,” Anderson said. “We will have meaningful discussion with our Board of Directors, staff, and legal representation throughout the weekend as we determine our next steps.”

CPS cross-country runners lost an appeal to the IHSA board on Friday, which led to the suit. Administrators from Jones, Lane, Lincoln Park, Mather, Payton, Solorio, and Taft brought the appeal. The board voted unanimously against it.

“The board was steadfast in following the language of the strike policy, as they have done throughout this recent CPS strike, and in past incidences involving other schools and districts on strike,” IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson said. “They did not believe it would be equitable to provide relief for cross country when no remedy exists for other impacted sports like boys soccer, girls volleyball and girls tennis.”

Last week a Cook County judge denied a temporary restraining order that had been sought by parents of cross-country athletes at Jones. Citing student safety and the “possibility of conflict if teachers and coaches were crossing the picket line,” the judge ruled Jones’ cross-country teams couldn’t compete in the regional meet during the ongoing strike.