SOUTH BEND — The fate of a high school senior rests with a judge after a lengthy hearing Tuesday that will soon determine when the teen can permanently play varsity football.

Representatives from the Indiana High School Athletic Association and advocates for Washington High School senior Eric Woods argued in open court about what constitutes fair play in the controversial case.

The IHSAA previously determined that Woods was only eligible for junior varsity sports, because they say his family was in violation of IHSAA rules when he transferred from Adams High School to Washington.

A judge previously granting a temporary restraining order in the matter, allowing Woods to play in his school's two most recent football games. That order has now expired.

Attorneys for both sides on Tuesday stressed that the injunction hearing was really about two games and not the remainder of Washington's football season.

The IHSAA's ban initially meant that Woods could not play varsity sports for one year from the time of his last varsity game at Adams. That 365 days is up on Oct. 31, meaning Woods could potentially play in sectionals or playoffs come November. But the dispute now centers on two games which come before then.

Jay Lauer, Woods' attorney, called four witnesses to testify on the teen's behalf, including Woods' mother, his football coaches and a national recruiting expert.

Angel Price spoke about the importance of academics for her son, which is the reason she says she transferred the teen to Washington.

Since Woods has been at WHS, Price said he has excelled in his studies and taken advantage of the school's unique trimester system. She provided Woods' report card which showed all Bs and one A.

Washington head coach Antwon Jones and assistant coach Jay Johnson testified that Woods is an exceptional player and could go to the college of his choice if given the chance to be recruited.

"His work ethic is outstanding," said Johnson. "He's a natural catcher. He's just a great talent."

"It might seem small," added Johnson. "It might seem like just two games, but it is in the scheme of things, this is his future he's playing for."

Varsity football tapes were a recurrent subject of Tuesday's hearing.

Both football coaches and recruiting expert Bob Chmiel told the judge that scholarships weigh heavily on varsity films and that JV tapes are not adequate.

"You have to have evidence that the young man can play and there's no other way to do it," said Chmiel. "One of the things you look at is, 'who's he playing against?'"

The IHSAA called no witnesses in their defense, but sharply cross examined each of the plaintiff's witnesses.

IHSAA attorney Robert Baker pointed out that no colleges or recruiters were currently looking at Woods and to say that his future might be affected by not playing was essentially speculation. Woods has not even been accepted to the National Collegiate Athletic Association Clearing House, said Baker, which students must be affiliated in order to sign with a school.

Baker also focused on who else would be impacted if Woods plays, including previous Washington starters that could have playing time reduced.

"This isn't about Eric Woods," said Baker. "This is about other people."

Jones argued that his team operates on a rotation in which each player receives a certain amount of playing time.

"Eric Woods has been a member of our team since the summer," Jones added, referring to when Woods began practicing with the team. "He has every right to earn a starting spot."

Special judge overseeing the case, Starke Circuit Judge David Matsey will make a final ruling on the Woods case by Friday.

Staff writer Alicia Gallegos:
agallegos@sbtinfo.com
(574) 235-6368