Penn Wood's Futch reinstated for state meet

Eric Futch said he didn't feel too confident entering Thursday morning's appeal hearing with the PIAA.

But, his gut feeling meant little as the Penn Wood senior won his appeal and reversed his suspension from this weekend's PIAA state track and field championships at Shippensburg.

His initial appeal was declined Monday by the state's ruling body after Futch was disqualified at Saturday's District 1 championship meet at Coatesville. Meet director Harry Lewis disqualified Futch after the sprinter exchanged words with two members of the awards staff.

One of the state's top runners, Futch is scheduled to compete in the 100- and 200-meter dashes, the 300 intermediate hurdles, and the 4x400 relay at states.

He is expected to be the top seed in both the 200 and the 300 hurdles. He is the defending state champion in the hurdles.

"I'm just happy they gave me a second chance to run," Futch said. "I'm going to make everyone proud that supported me."

A committee of PIAA officials heard Futch's appeal in the Chambersburg hotel in which the team is staying for the state meet. Penn Wood coach Lenny Jordan said the result was "overwhelming" in favor of Futch.

The coach said he was relieved by the ruling and proud of the way the state's ruling body handled the situation. Jordan believed the second appeal was aided by pressure from the track community and a simple observation of details by those involved.

"I'm proud to say that [the PIAA] thought about the kid," Jordan said. "It wasn't about anything else. Not me putting an extra feather in my hat. It was truly about the kid."

At last week's District 1 meet, the Patriots ran the 4x400 without Futch, as he had already been disqualified. They finished in 3 minutes, 17.76 seconds, which qualified for the state meet.

"The race will be real different this time," Futch said of his return to the 4x400. "This time, I don't think we'll be in the back at all."

Jordan isn't sure if Futch's performance will be deterred by the week's activities. Futch said he is doing his best to put it behind him.

"He's been able to adapt with a lot of pressure," Jordan said. "But I have to remember and be mindful that he's an 18-year-old kid."

Futch traveled with the Patriots team Thursday morning, as his ability to participate hung in the balance. The team had planned to leave Delaware County at 11 a.m., until the PIAA said the meeting would be held earlier.

Jordan said the entire team chose to leave at 6:30 in support of Futch.

"These guys have been together forever. We've traveled together all over," Jordan said. "And they don't want to see one of their brothers hurt."