Gov. Ridge Appoints Members of PA Athletic Oversight Council

Gov. Tom Ridge has appointed 12 Pennsylvania educators, parents, coaches and athletic officials to the 17-member Pennsylvania Athletic Oversight Council, which will oversee and recommend ways to reform the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA). The PIAA governs interscholastic athletics in Pennsylvania.

Dr. Betsy A. Adams of Bernville, principal of Conrad Weiser Area High School, and Dale E. Lumley of Butler, principal of Butler Area Senior High School, both members of the Pennsylvania Association of Secondary School Principals (PAESSP), have been appointed to the 17-member council by Gov. Ridge.

On Nov. 22, 2000, Gov. Ridge signed Senate Bill 1403, Act 91 of 2000, which created a 17-member oversight council for Pennsylvania interscholastic athletics. The General Assembly is responsible for appointing four members to the council. The Secretary of Education, or his designee, also will serve on the council.

Other members appointed to the PIAA Athletic Council:

The Department of Education’s designee will be James R. LeCorchick, sports director at 1330 WFNN-AM in Erie. The four legislative appointments will be House members Frank LaGrotta (D-Ellwood City) and Gene DiGirolomo (R-Bensalem), and senators Gerald Lavelle (D-Beaver Falls) and James Gerlach (R-Downingtown).