Iona, others barred from meet by Section I ruling

Heading into Sunday’s Westchester County Track Championships, there was unusually little talk surrounding what area athletes would emerge as stars on one of the biggest stages of the season. Instead, most of the pre-meet discussion had centered on Section I’s controversial decision to ban four private school teams—including perennial power Iona Prep.

Iona, along with Hackley, Stepinac and Holy Child were barred from the event ostensibly because they aren’t considered members of the Section I organization. According to Section I Executive Director Jennifer Simmons, it was brought to light that these private schools did not pay a fee to compete in the winter county meet (which was taken over by Section I nearly a decade ago) but were still eligible to compete in fall and spring events that are co-sponsored by the Coaches’ Association.