Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey is “seeking answers” from the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) following Oakwood Academy’s forfeit loss against Faith Christian in the Class 1A Northeast Regional boys semifinal earlier this week. Oakwood Academy is a Seventh-day Adventist School.
The Adventist Church observes the Sabbath from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday. Oakwood Academy was scheduled to play at 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Jacksonville State. School officials had hoped the AHSAA would flip its game time with the other semifinal game between Cornerstone School and Decatur Heritage, scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Oakwood AD Calvin Morton said the AHSAA twice denied the request by email. The game went down as a 2-0 forfeit win for Faith. The AHSAA’s only response thus far has been that “all games at each regional site are expected to be played as scheduled.”
In a letter to AHSAA Executive Director Alvin Briggs today, Ivey wrote to “express her profound concern about the alleged” treatment of Oakwood Academy.
A portion of the letter stated:
“As I’m sure you know, few things are more important to Alabamians than their faith. And from my perspective as Governor, this is a very good thing. Sincere faith brings Alabamians together. It is a source of comfort during times of challenge. And it drives Alabamians to make their communities better. Indeed, a sincere commitment to faith is one of the defining hallmarks of our great state.”
“With all this in mind, I hope you’ll understand why I was most disturbed to read Oakwood’s alleged treatment at the AHSAA’s basketball tournament – and why this episode raises some very pressing questions, not only for me but for public officials and citizens across our great state.”
Ivey proceeded to ask a series of questions in the email about the situation. She also said she was reaching out to Oakwood’s leadership to better understand “the school’s and team members’ perception of these troubling events.”
Gov. Ivey said she hoped Briggs would respond promptly.
This issue is now followed by many international media, such as CNN.
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