WPSD and ESDAA

The Eastern Schools for the Deaf Athletic Association (ESDAA) was founded in 1927 to provide student-athletes at member schools with opportunities for competitive tournaments and championships. These events emphasize sportsmanship, ethical behavior, and integrity, in line with the standards set by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).

The organization began with a boys’ basketball tournament in New Jersey, featuring ten schools: American, Fanwood, Kendall, Lexington, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, St. Joseph’s, and Virginia. George Harlow, a standout athlete from the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (PSD), played a pivotal role in establishing the association and introduced the traveling George Harlow Trophy for the winning basketball team.

Over time, ESDAA expanded its scope:

• 1961: Boys’ basketball split into two divisions based on school size (Division I for large schools and Division II for small schools).
• 1964: Boys’ track and field added.
• 1976: Wrestling introduced.
• 1977: Girls’ basketball and boys’ soccer included.
• 1978: Girls’ track and field debuted.
• 1981: Cheerleading and volleyball incorporated.

Today, ESDAA comprises 17 member schools:

• American (CT)
• Delaware
• Lexington (NY)
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Mill Neck Manor (NY)
• Fanwood (NY)
• Rome (NY)
• New Jersey
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Rochester (NY)
• St. Mary’s (NY)
• Virginia
• West Virginia
• Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (WPSD).

WPSD’s Journey with ESDAA

WPSD first joined ESDAA Boys’ Basketball in 1931 and later participated in Boys’ Track and Field starting in 1964. However, in 1971, WPSD withdrew from the organization after a policy dispute. The issue arose when another member school objected to a WPSD athlete playing for a fifth year in 1972. ESDAA discussed policies regarding age limits and varsity eligibility, prompting WPSD to leave the association. A WPSD administrator later explained that the decision was driven by a desire to allow all students to participate in sports, regardless of age or eligibility constraints.

In 1990, the WPSD Alumni Association raised four significant issues during a reunion, one of which was reinstating ESDAA membership. After four years of consideration, WPSD athletes resumed participation in ESDAA tournaments, starting with boys’ and girls’ basketball, boys’ track and field, and volleyball in 1994. Wrestling and cheerleading followed in 1995, and boys’ soccer in 2000.

WPSD’s reentry into ESDAA reflected the school’s commitment to fostering athletic opportunities for its students while honoring the principles of inclusion and competition.

List of available artifact ESDAA program books hosted by WPSD:

Note: Asterisk * indicates WPSD ESDAA champion