1,349 YARD RUNNING BACK BO DAVIS REMAINS SIDELINED AFTER UIL VOTE ENDS IN A TIE

1,349 YARD RUNNING BACK BO DAVIS REMAINS SIDELINED AFTER UIL VOTE ENDS IN A TIE

One of the Lubbock area’s most productive young football players remains unable to compete at the varsity level following a disputed transfer from Lubbock High to Frenship Memorial.

Bo Davis rushed for 1,349 yards and 16 touchdowns as a sophomore at Lubbock High, earning Big School Newcomer of the Year recognition. He transferred to Frenship Memorial in February and was expected to become a major part of the Panthers’ offense during their first varsity season.

His eligibility was denied after the District 2 5A Division I Executive Committee voted 4 to 2 that Davis changed schools for athletic purposes. His family appealed, but the UIL State Executive Committee divided 2 to 2. Because the appeal did not receive enough votes to overturn the original decision, Davis remained ineligible for varsity competition.

The hearing included two different explanations of the transfer. Lubbock High coach Juan Rodriguez cited a previous conversation involving Davis’ father, recruiting and the possibility of leaving the program.

Davis’ mother said the move was based on academics, housing and keeping her family closer to relatives following changes inside their household. She testified that Davis was enrolled at Memorial because it became his new home school.

Davis also testified that leaving Lubbock High was not originally what he wanted.

“I didn’t want to leave. I didn’t want my dad to be upset with me,” Davis said while explaining earlier comments attributed to him.

The ruling does not question Davis’ talent. It reflects the UIL process used when an athlete changes schools after previously competing elsewhere. Under UIL rules, the new district committee must determine that the move was not made for athletic purposes before granting immediate varsity eligibility.

Without Davis, Memorial has opened its first varsity season with a 1 and 2 record, including a victory over Coronado. The Panthers are scheduled to face Lubbock High on October 23, but the player who would have made that matchup even more personal is currently not eligible to take the varsity field.

The case has created a larger local debate: Should a split state vote be enough to keep a student athlete from playing, or should a tie favor the student and family?

Sports coverage is sponsored by Iconic Custom Carts, 5610 Frankford Avenue, Suite D. Call 806 787 4956.