2 high school stars allowed to transfer schools

MIDVALE — Two high-profile athletes were allowed to transfer schools without losing their athletic eligibility after separate hearings with the Utah High School Activities Association on Tuesday.

Chase Hansen, who will be a junior this year, was allowed to transfer from American Fork to Lone Peak in a second hearing on the matter. In the first hearing last month, he was denied eligibility after a panel deemed the move had athletic motivation. But after his family moved earlier this month, they asked for a new hearing. On Tuesday, they provided information that convinced the panel the move was motivated for financial reasons and not athletic.

A full family move is one reason students can transfer from one school to another, as long as it's not to circumvent transfer rules. UHSAA executive director Rob Cuff said the family provided personal information that was compelling to the panel. Hansen will be eligible to play for the sixth-ranked Knights immediately.

Hansen started as a sophomore for American Fork and has already been offered multiple scholarships.

Xojian Harry, an all-state basketball player, was allowed to transfer from Woods Cross (a 4A school) to Viewmont (a 5A school). UHSAA attorney Mark Van Wagoner said she was allowed to transfer for "administrative and personnel reasons." She averaged 16.5 points per game for the Wildcats' team last season.