City Section Reverses Disqualification of Two Runners Who Wore Jewelry

Two high school distance runners who were disqualified Thursday for wearing jewelry in league finals were reinstated Friday for next week’s City Section quarterfinals.

Sheri Lawson of Kennedy High and Sabino Miranda of Birmingham will compete in the 3,200 meters in next Thursday’s meet, City Section Commissioner Hal Harkness said.

A City Section rule prohibits track athletes from wearing jewelry during competition.

Lawson, who won the girls 3,200 meters and the 1,600, was disqualified in the 3,200 for wearing a ring. Apparently she was not noticed with the ring in her 1,600 victory. Miranda, who placed third in the boys 3,200, was ruled out for wearing a medical bracelet.

Lawson, the defending City champion at 3,200 meters, said her finger was swollen and could not remove the ring. Miranda had surgery on his right forearm recently and was wearing bandages with the medical bracelet.

“Hal reinstated both of them quickly once he had the facts,” Kennedy track Coach Pete Nelson said. “We were confident it wouldn’t be a problem considering the circumstances.”

The City quarterfinals are scheduled for Thursday and Friday at Birmingham High.