Court ruling gives Australian soccer player chance to play

DRAPER, Utah – A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order against the Utah High School Activities Association on Thursday. It repealed a rule banning foreign student-athletes from participating in university competitions.

The injunction allowed Juan Diego senior Zac Szymakowski, who is originally from Australia, to attend the school’s varsity football game against Grantsville on Thursday night.

Szymakowski is a kicker and punter for Juan Diego.

The UHSAA implemented a new rule this year that prohibits foreign students who are legally in the United States on an F-1 visa from attending varsity games if their teams are eligible to play in postseason games want.

On October 7, Foley & Lardner, LLP filed a lawsuit in federal court on behalf of Szymakowski against the Utah High School Activities Association. They pointed out that the UHSAA rule constituted unlawful discrimination.

The plaintiffs simultaneously filed a motion for a preliminary injunction and a preliminary injunction with their lawsuit.

On Thursday, Szymakowski was given the opportunity to play at the varsity level beginning with Thursday night’s game.

His parents, Katie Tuckerman and Jerry Szymakowski, who are from Melbourne, Australia, were in the stands to watch him play.

“We’re both thrilled, it’s a mix of huge relief and real pride at what he’s done and just overjoyed that he’s finally out there,” Jerry said.

They say it was a special evening for them and their son.

“Because he was here and trained with the team every day and did everything that was asked of him as part of the team,” Tuckerman said.

Szymakowski released a statement through his lawyer before Thursday night’s game:

“I am very grateful that the court gave me the chance to rejoin my team and play football tonight. I will do my best to help our team win. I’m really looking forward to the playoffs. I hope that every high school student here in Utah with a visa like me also gets the opportunity to play the sport they love. It’s a privilege to be here in America.”

Even though Thursday was senior night, it won’t be the last time Szymakowski will take the field this season. Juan Diego is scheduled to play in a postseason game next week.

FOX 13 News reached out to the UHSAA after hours about Thursday’s decision, we are currently awaiting a response.