Appeal filed for Ascolese

— Linebacker Vin Ascolese, who signed with Arkansas in February but failed to be academically cleared, said he’s optimistic an appeal by Arkansas and his family to the NCAA will allow him to enroll in January.

Ascolese, 6-2, 220 pounds, 4.5 seconds in the 40-yard dash, attended Hudson County School of Technology in North Bergen, N.J., but it didn’t offer athletics so he played football at North Bergen High School.

He said the NCAA didn’t recognize the classes at Hudson County School of Technology even though the school is certified in New Jersey. Ascolese said Arkansas sent an appeal to theNCAA on Friday saying why he should be eligible and the NCAAis expected to look at his case Jan.2.

Senator Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, contacted the NCAA on Ascolese’s behalf.

“He got involved because the NCAA didn’t care what my high school had to say,” Ascolese said. “He got involved and that’s whenthe NCAA started cooperating immediately. Everything is moving in a positive way. I think it’s going to work out.”

Ascolese said Razorbacks Coach Bret Bielema is aware of his appeal and he plans to talk to Bielema after Christmas.

Sports, Pages 34 on 12/23/2012