(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

The concern and controversy over the recent announcement of Aliquippa football being assigned to play Class 5A football next season has made its way to Harrisburg.

State Representative Rob Matzie of Beaver County announced on Friday that he will be introducing legislation to analyze the operations, policies, finances and structure of the PIAA, including the process in which the PIAA classifies the levels at which schools compete in each sport.

Matzie says that the current way of operations puts student athletes in danger because of a lack of manpower and financial resources compared to the larger schools they would be competing against.

“I would wage this fight for Aliquippa or any student athlete in our commonwealth,” Matzie said. “Simply put, it’s unfair, unsafe and a dangerous disadvantage to our kids. What’s most disturbing is that I believe that this rule comes off as ignorant at best and arrogant at worst. Legislative action is necessary, and necessary now. Be assured, however, this is just the beginning. It’s been nearly 25 years since the last thorough review of the PIAA. It’s well past time for the legislature to have another look.”