Wheelchair Athletes Can't Get Points in Regionals, States

The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association ruled Thursday that athletes in wheelchairs will not be able to earn points for their team in regional and state tournaments.

The decision comes a month after the Howard County school system and the Maryland Disability Law Center representing Tatyana McFadden reached an agreement to allow the Atholton junior to compete and earn points in county events this spring in her wheelchair.

"Well this whole thing has been just a very hard battle. I just don't see what the big deal is," McFadden said. "I'm just going to put up a really good fight. When I could get points it was great because I can contribute to the team. Now it's going to be like I'm just there."

Neither McFadden nor her attorney, Lauren Young of the Maryland Disability Law Center, had heard of the decision as of yesterday. McFadden, who was born with spina bifida, received a temporary injunction from a federal judge in April to allow her to compete in the 2006 season.

But McFadden was disqualified from the 2A championship meet by MPSSAA officials after coaches alleged McFadden was acting as a "pacer" for teammate Alison Smith. McFadden said then she offered Smith only a little encouragement as she passed her to finish first. It cost Atholton and Smith state titles.

The MPSSAA, according to executive director Ned Sparks, has taken steps to expand participation for wheelchair competitors, including increasing the number of events in which they can participate this season from one to six.

"We're trying to make it more equitable for wheelchair athletes, and we feel this is a step in the right direction," Sparks said.

-- Ryan Mink