LANSING -- It is now wait and see for the Dompierre family of Ishpeming. They're looking for a decision from the Michigan High School Athletic Association on changing the age requirement for high school athletes.
Dean Dompierre and his son Eric were in Lansing Wednesday, testifying before a Senate committee. A resolution was passed, supporting the association to change their rules.
Meanwhile in Lansing, after the resolution was passed by committee on Wednesday, it was brought to the Senate floor Thursday and passed unanimously. It will now go to the Michigan House of Representatives for further consideration.
“I am very pleased that my fellow senators were able to come together and voice a strong message in support of certain, limited exceptions to the MHSAA age policy,” said Senator Tom Casperson. “Eric’s case is a perfect example. His love for football and basketball has led to his development as a student but has not provided an unfair advantage. This measure just makes sense.”
Eric Dompierre, who has Down Syndrome, will be 19 this fall and ineligible to play football and basketball his senior year. Upper Michigan's Source talked with a representative from the MHSAA on how the issue will be handled. The 19-member board will take up the issue in their meeting next week. If the board approves a change, all member schools of the association would have to vote on it.
If passed in the House, the bill will become law.
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