Copyright 2000 Plain Dealer Publishing Co.
The
Plain Dealer
October 6, 2000 Friday, FINAL / ALL
SECTION: METRO; Pg. 1B
LENGTH: 849 words
HEADLINE:
WINNING THE RACE OF LIFE;
BUT RUNNER WHO PROVED DOCTORS WRONG HAS BEEN
CALLED TOO OLD FOR SCHOOL TEAM
BYLINE: By JESSE
TINSLEY; PLAIN DEALER REPORTER
BODY:
>ixing with
other kids had always been hard for Jeffrey Kling, a shy and awkward teen with
cerebral palsy and a severe hearing impairment.
But as a freshman at
Mayfield High School, Kling discovered running and found the one social outlet
that made him feel like a part of the student body. Like a jock. Like a regular
guy. "In the past, other attempts that have been made to get him to socialize
have failed," said his mother, Kathleen Kling. "This had opened so many doors."
Running became his passion, said his father, Timothy Kling, a chemistry
professor at Lakeland Community College.
But it was not easy. It took
Kling, who did not begin walking until he was 4, an entire grading period before
he could finish a required mile run during gym class. But he pushed on,
gradually overcoming the aching lungs and sore legs to complete the distance.
By his sophomore year, Kling had improved enough to compete on the
school's cross country and track teams. But Kling, now a junior, must watch from
the sidelines when his cross country teammates compete because of an Ohio High
School Athletic Association rule that prohibits students from participating in
sports if they turn 19 before Aug. 1.
Kling's 19th birthday was July 14.
Running cross country and track - at his own special pace - gave Kling a
place among fellow students. So his parents filed a complaint with the state
Department of Education, hoping their son would get a chance to run again for
the team.
A hearing officer from the state heard evidence and issued a
ruling last week that cleared the way for Kling to run. But the Mentor and
Mayfield school districts, which share responsibility for his education,
appealed the decision. Kling lives in Mentor but attends Mayfield schools, which
have a program for the hearing impaired.
A decision on the appeal, now
before a state review officer, is expected within 45 days, said Nessa Siegel,
the Klings' attorney.
If the school boards prevail, Siegel said she
would appeal the case in state or federal court.
Kling's parents argued
that athletics are essential to their son's education because they help his
motor skills, boost his self-esteem and make it easier for him to socialize. He
was a threat to no one, his parents said, and usually finished last or next to
last in the races he ran.
Hearing officer Joy M. Freda ruled that Kling,
despite his age, is entitled to compete under the federal Individuals
With Disabilities Education Act.
But the OHSAA's so-called Rule
19 appears set in stone. The Mentor and Mayfield school districts fear they
could be sanctioned if Kling is allowed to compete.
OHSAA Commissioner
Clair Muscaro said the age-limit rule has been on the books for years. "It's
there for all students. You need to know that all our by-laws apply to all of
our students," he said.
Muscaro said any school district that knowingly
allows an ineligible student to compete in sports would have to forfeit that
game or competition and face possible suspension from the association.
Steven Camfield, Kling's cross country coach, was thrilled by the
hearing officer's decision, calling it a case "where the little guy wins." But
he said he understands the OHSAA's position.
"Rules are the rules," he
said. "Making an exception could open the door to all kinds of litigation and
challenges to Rule 19."
From the time he was a tot, Kling lagged behind
other children. Doctors had said that Kling, born nine weeks premature, would
never walk and would spend his life in a wheelchair.
But he was
determined, his parents said. At age 4, he stopped using his walker and
eventually let go of coffee tables and helping hands and began walking on his
own.
Kling did not attend second grade until he was 10 and socialized
little at school through the years.
During the summer of 1999, Kling
fell in love with running. He trained with his father's help and sometimes ran
eight to 10 miles a day. Last school year, he earned a letter in cross country.
He is at ease running with his teammates. He draws laughter when he
sidles up to them and clowns around or begins to shadowbox before practice. His
hearing impairment and speech make it difficult for people to communicate with
him, but the camaraderie is evident. Kling is a jock.
"He has the best
sense of humor on the cross country team," said teammate Jason Weisbrot, a
senior. "I understand him better now, and we goof around. That's how we
communicate. He has that smile and that enthusiasm."
Jason and other
runners believe it's only right that Kling should be allowed to run during
meets. "He deserves a chance," Jason said.
At the end of the 1999 track
season, the Klings were told their son would be ineligible to participate on the
team this school year.
"It has been a very stressful situation,"
Kathleen Kling said. "He goes to all the practices, rides the buses to
competitions, but he can't run."
At the next cross country meet, Kling
will be on the sidelines, helping with the uniforms and water. Even though he
can't run, "it's cool having him around," said teammate Alex Bosoy.
GRAPHIC: PHOTOGRAPHS BY DALE OMORI/ PLAIN DEALER:;
PHOTO 1 (color):; Mayfield High School junior Jeffrey Kling works out during
cross country practice at an open field across from the Cuyahoga County Airport
in Richmond Heights.; PHOTO 2 (color):; The Ohio High School Athletic
Association ruled that Jeffrey Kling was ineligible to run because he turned 19
in July, but his parents appealed and won and now the school is appealing.
LOAD-DATE: October 7, 2000 
