In or Out? Messmer/Shorewood Files Injunction for Playoff Berth

The Messmer/Shorewood football co-op beat Wayland Academy 48-21 on Friday, giving it a 4-2 conference record and likely playoff qualification.

But whether it actually receives a spot in the 224-team field isn't clear, because the co-op and the WIAA disagree on whether the team is eligible, and the matter is headed to court after the co-op filed an injunction to stop the WIAA from releasing the playoff brackets Saturday as planned.

At issue is the co-op's conference affiliation. Messmer/Shorewood voluntarily left the Woodland Conference following the 2007 season to become an independent, according to a report from WisSports.net. A press release issued by Messmer says the schools learned Thursday that the WIAA did not consider them eligible for the playoffs. WisSports.net reports that this is because teams that leave a conference are not eligible for the playoffs for four years.

However, Messmer/Shorewood is now a full conference member of the Midwest Classic Conference North and played a six-game schedule in that league, ending with a 4-2 record after Friday's win. The schools contend that new affiliation overrides the rule.

According to the statement, earlier this fall the school had been listed on the WIAA site as ineligible for playoff consideration. After seeking clarification, the status was changed on the website but school officials didn't receive an explanation, they say. School officials had believed for weeks that a playoff berth was a possibility.

“I’ve been using our playoff chances for weeks to encourage the athletes," said head coach Drake Zortman in the release. "Playoffs have been an attainable goal this year. That goal has really built a sense of camaraderie. The pride and enthusiasm of the team has been so exciting, even inspirational.”

“As a last step we are pursuing legal options. We feel we owe it to our student athletes, to honor their dedication and significant accomplishments this season,” said Br. Bob Smith, President of Messmer Catholic Schools.

The WIAA home page says playoff brackets will be delayed until 5 p.m. Monday due to "pending litigation." The brackets were originally slated to come out Saturday.