More on Taconic's Wes Ross
Wes Ross wasn’t the only one in the Pittsfield Schools up to a challenge when he transferred here from the American School for the Deaf, as noted in our Jan. 13 issue.
When he found out in September that Ross was transferring to Pittsfield, Pittsfield Schools athletic director Jim Abel, with the help of PHS principal Anne Beauregard, made sure Ross’ transition would be smooth.
“Obviously, we wanted him to be comfortable, and the coaches [to be] comfortable with the means of communication,” Abel said. “We met with the coaching staff, Wes and some people [who] were mentors to him.”
The toughest part for Abel was securing a waiver from the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) for Ross, 19, to wrestle for Taconic High School. Anyone over the age of 18 needs a waiver for MIAA competition.
Ross’ records from the American School For the Deaf, which included academic information, were also collected for the waiver application. The only sticking point would have been if Ross was larger than the average high school athlete, rather than the 189-pound wrestler he’s been for the Braves.
“They [the MIAA] don’t want a situation where someone’s stacking the deck in terms of [adding] someone who’s bigger and stronger,” Abel said. “A kid like Wes, if he’s wrestling a 15- or 16-year-old, that’s a pretty big difference in maturity level. They just wanted to make sure Wes wasn’t something like 6-foot-7 and 250 pounds.”
Pittsfield Schools also got the approval of the other athletic directors in Berkshire County for Ross to compete against their schools.
One thing that was important for the Pittsfield officials to convey to Ross — and perhaps something he was looking for in his transfer to Pittsfield — was that he would be treated as though he was no different than any other athlete trying to make a team.
“Like any other student, we couldn’t guarantee a spot,” Abel said. “But he fit the criteria not only as a wrestler, but with grades. It wasn’t a concern, but we spelled it out to him from day one that he’s in the same boat as any other athlete as far as what’s expected from him.
“I think he appreciates that, and that’s part of the experience for him, to be in a traditional athletic program. It’s not only good for him, but it’s good for the other kids he’s teammates with.”
- Matthew Sprague, Eagle sports editor