Does the WPIAL get too much undue criticism?

Absolutely.

But not in this case.

There is no explanation for the district’s decision to send top-seeded Butler all the way to Mt. Lebanon for a noon tip-off against Peters Township Saturday.

Peters Township is one of the lower seeds in 6A. The higher seed should get the territorial advantage in a playoff game. Having the Golden Tornado travel all the way to Mt. Lebanon — and for a noon game yet — simply isn’t right.

Mt. Lebanon’s gym has been renovated since the last time I was in there, so seating shouldn’t be so bad. Butler basketball faithful travels well, so that’s a good thing.

Butler’s game is the first of a tripleheader at Mt. Lebanon Saturday. South Park, the No. 3 seed in girls Class 3A, plays there at 1:30 p.m. Woodland Hills plays Moon in a girls Class 5A matchup at 3:15 p.m.

Those games make more sense.

In another 6A boys game Saturday, No. 4 seed Upper St. Clair is playing No. 5 seed Pine-Richland at 3:15 p.m. at North Hills. Again, the WPIAL is making the higher seed travel farther (not a whole lot farther, but farther).

If anything, Upper St. Clair should be playing Pine-Richland at Mt. Lebanon while Butler takes on Peters Township at North Hills.

It’s hard to understand how the schedule-makers whiffed on that one.

North Allegheny is hosting a tripleheader Saturday as well — two boys games and a girls game. Knoch is playing there at 1:30 p.m.

Having the Butler game as part of that package would have really drawn a crowd.

You play where and when they tell you to play. I get that. And I’m sure the coaches aren’t complaining about it.

But right is right.

And this isn’t right.

Sports MatterAnyone who thinks they don’t should talk to Reagan Donahue and his family.My article in Thursday’s Eagle details what participation in wrestling has done for the Butler senior over the past few years as he deals with autism.Stories like Reagan’s should be inspiring to a lot of people. Through wrestling and other experiences, he’s learned not to allow others to place limits on his life and what he’s capable of accomplishing.Three years ago, this kid had no clue what wrestling was about. He had never been exposed to the sport in any way.This year, he won 16 matches at the junior varsity level. Through running in practice and doing workouts, he’s gained enough confidence in his physical skills to want to transition to another sport.Reagan wants to compete in track and field this spring. I hope he gets the opportunity.Either way, he is one of many youths I’ve seen be positively affected in life by becoming part of an athletic team and pushing himself.

John Enrietto is sports editor of the Butler Eagle