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WPIAL to investigate New York transfer
A top college recruit, tight end's move from Buffalo to Woodland Hills is questioned
Wednesday, August 16, 2006

One of the top high school tight ends in the country has enrolled at Woodland Hills High School, but his path to playing football for the Wolverines has hit a roadblock.

The WPIAL has decided to "investigate" the transfer of Rob Gronkowski from Williamsville North High School near Buffalo, N.Y., to Woodland Hills. Gronkowski, a 6-foot-6, 250-pound senior who is ranked the No. 2 tight end in the country by one scouting service, enrolled at Woodland Hills Friday.

"The matter is under investigation, based on the most recent publicity associated with his transfer," WPIAL executive director Tim O'Malley said.

It's highly likely the WPIAL Board of Control will have a hearing with Gronkowski to determine his eligibility. That hearing could be as early as next week.

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Under PIAA rules, Gronkowski was eligible at Woodland Hills immediately because he and his father had moved into an apartment in Wilkins Township, part of the Woodland Hills School District. O'Malley said when a student and one, or both, of his parents physically move into another district, they are eligible immediately -- unless athletic intent is involved.

But quotes from Gordon Gronkowski, Rob's father, in Sunday's Post-Gazette sent up a red flag to the WPIAL, concerning a transfer for athletic intent. Gordon Gronkowski told the Post-Gazette one of the reasons for his move was because he owns a handful of G & G Fitness Equipment stores in the Pittsburgh area. However, Gronkowski also added the other main reason for his son's move was Woodland Hills' highly successful football program.

Rob Gronkowski got to know some Woodland Hills players at a workout combine at Pitt two years ago and has followed the program ever since.

"There's just not the quality of football in the state of New York that there is here," Gordon Gronkowski said. "We want him to play with good talent around him instead of getting triple-teamed. Here, he blends right in."

Rob Gronkowski has a number of scholarship offers and has narrowed his list to Arizona, Maryland, Clemson, North Carolina, Ohio State and Syracuse.

First published on August 16, 2006 at 12:00 am
Mike White can be reached at mwhite@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1975.