Players react after WIAA admits error revealing Greenfield and Madison West should've been in playoffs
GREENFIELD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- While the high school football season is over, a new revelation is putting it back in the spotlight.
This as the WIAA admits they made a mistake in playoff qualification selection, saying Greenfield High School and Madison West should have been included in the playoff field.
After reviewing the 2024 WIAA 11-Player Football Playoffs qualification process, the WIAA released a statement acknowledging challenges occurred with the computer program, which was unable to process the full field of 224 teams. They say staff then manually finalized the qualifiers.
Now after the playoffs are complete, they admitted the organization made a mistake, determining both Greenfield and Madison West High Schools should have been included in the playoff field of 224 teams.
Football players at Greenfield High School are now left wondering what the team could have brought to the field in post season.
“I found it really sad, because like we were right there pretty much and like I felt bad for the seniors, because it’s their last year and they didn’t get to get a playoff game for their last year,” said Pierce Briley, a receiver on the Greenfield High School Football team.
The team says they are frustrated to have the opportunity taken from them after months of hard work.
“It’s hard because you know, it’s over, but you know we ended the season off hot," said Lucas O’Brien, the quarterback for Greenfield High School Football Team. "I felt like we had our best two weeks, and I feel like we really could have maybe made an impact in the playoffs."
Nina Rouse, the Greenfield High School Athletics and Activities Director said they appreciate the review and trust the changes being made will ensure this issue does not happen again in the future.
The WIAA says they have already taken steps to address this issue, and the qualification language will be reviewed at the Football Coaches Advisory Committee meeting in January to ensure clarity.
You can read the WIAA's full statement below.
Statement from the WIAA Regarding the 2024 Football Qualification Program
"The WIAA is committed to fairness, accuracy, and transparency in all aspects of our athletic programs. Following a review of the 2024 WIAA 11-Player Football Playoffs qualification process, we acknowledge challenges occurred with the computer program, which was unable to process the full field of 224 teams. Staff manually finalized the qualifiers using the criteria outlined in the regulations.
Since the evening that the playoff field was determined, staff has collected data and historic information regarding the playoff qualifying language. In addition, corrective measures were taken to allow the program to complete its process. Based on the information that is now available to our staff, it has been determined Madison West and Greenfield should have been included in the playoff field of 224 teams.
We have already taken steps to address this issue. The qualification language will be reviewed at the Football Coaches Advisory Committee meeting in January to ensure clarity. Internal procedural improvements will follow a staff review this month, with a written procedure to enhance coordination and accountability. Additionally, our technology team is evaluating the current qualification software. If deemed unreliable, a new program will be developed.
We understand the importance of playoff qualification for schools, teams, and fans. We sincerely apologize for the issues and assure you that efforts are underway to strengthen our systems and prevent future errors."