Tyson Reyes, a junior at Ropes ISD and a talented offensive and defensive line football player, has been declared ineligible to play varsity football following a recent hearing by the University Interscholastic League (UIL) State Executive Committee (SEC).
According to reports from Sideline Sports and the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Tyson began his educational journey at Sundown ISD, where he attended from pre-K through 10th grade. His family owned a home in Levelland, which is why he was a transfer student there. Tyson’s transfer was revoked after a recent off-campus alcohol incident, leading Sundown ISD to inform his parents that they needed to “find a new school.”
It was reported that Tyson, who is dyslexic and on a 504 plan, had his family decide to sell their home in Levelland and move to Ropesville to enroll in Ropes ISD. Despite their commitment to his education and well-being, the District Executive Committee (DEC) for District 3-2A DII, which comprises Plains ISD, Ropes ISD, Seagraves ISD, Smyer ISD, Sundown ISD, and Tahoka ISD, voted 3-0 to deny his eligibility. The representatives from Ropes and Sundown recused themselves from the vote, while Plains, Smyer, and Tahoka voted to make Reyes ineligible for varsity sports. According to UIL, Seagraves ISD’s district chair, Assistant Superintendent Dayland Sellers, also recused himself from the vote, although no reason was provided for his decision.
Tyson’s family enrolled him at Ropes on July 31, 2025, and their residence was verified on August 7, 2025, according to Ropes High School Principal Tim Carter. Ropes athletic director and head football coach Beau Riker estimated that Tyson began summer workouts with the team in mid-June after the family provided Carter with documentation of their home within Ropes ISD.
The Reyes family appealed the DEC’s decision to the UIL SEC, and on Monday, September 8th, the SEC upheld the DEC’s decision. After hearing testimonies, the SEC voted 4-0 to deny the appeal from Ropes and did not provide specific reasons for upholding the DEC’s decision.
DEC chair Sellers indicated that statements made by Tyson during the 2024 football season, in which he expressed intentions to transfer to Ropes, likely influenced their decision. Sellers explained, “There were several statements that the committee felt Tyson had made throughout the year to more than one person regarding his plans to move and transfer to Ropes to play this year. I believe that was why the committee voted the way they did.”
During the hearing, SEC chair Curtis Culwell asked Reyes if he had ever mentioned a move to Ropes. Reyes conceded that he had indeed mentioned it before Sundown’s game against Ropes, which took place on October 24, 2024, marking Ropes’ only regular-season loss, 28-21
Commentary
If Tyson is not eligible to play at Ropes, where can he participate in sports? As a resident of the Ropes Independent School District (ISD), it is crucial to examine the fairness and rationale behind this decision. This situation raises important questions about the nature of the ruling. We need to analyze whether Tyson’s case represents a transfer motivated by athletic ambitions or if it genuinely reflects the Reyes family’s commitment to ensuring the best academic and behavioral support for their son.
Ropes ISD is experiencing rapid growth, attracting numerous families who move to the area for various reasons, including its reputable schools and engaging community programs. The Reyes family’s decision to relocate underscores their dedication to providing Tyson with optimal educational opportunities that align with his needs.
Furthermore, it is essential to foster open and constructive dialogue among all stakeholders—administrators, coaches, parents, and community members—to ensure that the best interests of students, like Tyson, are upheld and to create a supportive environment that encourages their development both academically and athletically. By understanding the broader context of family relocations and school policies, we can work towards guidelines that empower students to thrive in their chosen educational paths.
