An exploratory meeting held today at the Archdiocesan Office Center between officials of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, Inc. (PIAA) and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Office of Catholic Education resulted in a constructive discussion on the possibility of the Philadelphia Catholic League joining the Association.

Officials anticipate that their dialogue will continue to probe the advantages and challenges as they discuss the future. Issues such as scheduling of events and maintaining league identity must be discussed with various constituencies. The Philadelphia Catholic League includes approximately 21,000 students who attend 21 Archdiocesan high schools, as well as several private Catholic schools.

No further meetings between the officials have yet been scheduled. As they continue to analyze the issues, the officials remain open to strengthening opportunities for young people to participate more broadly in statewide events. They stressed that they are actively pursuing the dialogue for the benefit of young people.

Participants in the meeting included Bradley R. Cashman, PIAA Executive Director; Melissa N. Mertz; PIAA Assistant Executive Director; members of the PIAA Board of Directors including Walter J. Blucas, PIAA President and District 10 Chairman; John P. Wabby, PIAA Treasurer and District 11 Chairman; Robert B. Coleman, District 12 Chairman; Richard B. Culver, Principal of Bethlehem Catholic High School and Member Private Schools' Representative to the Board of Directors; and Marjorie Wuestner, District 12 Executive Director.

Representatives of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Office of Catholic Education who participated in the meeting included Most Reverend Joseph P. McFadden, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia with responsibility for Catholic education; Dr. Thomas F. O'Brien, Superintendent of Schools; Stephen Pawlowski, assistant superintendent for secondary staff relations; and Patrick Boyle, director of secondary school services.

Also attending the meeting were Mary E. Peters, director of education for the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference (PCC), and Philip J. Murren, counsel for the PCC.

Contact
Matthew Gambino
Associate DIrector
215-587-3747