The Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference on Friday cleared three Fitch High School student-athletes who transferred from St. Bernard to play this year.

St. Bernard officials challenged the transfers, believing they were for "athletic reasons," which is prohibited by CIAC rules. The student-athletes, according to sources, are Pete Aldrich, Tristan Hurley and Izzy Davila.

CIAC officials and Fitch athletic director Marc Romano declined comment Friday, citing confidentially rules.

But Thomas Doherty, headmaster at St. Bernard, released the following statement: "I applaud their process and their careful consideration of the situation. I have always maintained that the students should not be punished for the actions of their parents and I am glad to see that the CIAC has decided accordingly. St. Bernard wishes these young men

continued success throughout the year and beyond."

The CIAC does have specific eligibility rules in place for student-athletes who transfer from one school to another. Student-athletes must sit out 50 percent of the new school's games in the upcoming season before they are eligible to play.

Aldrich, who plays football, will be eligible to play in Fitch's sixth game on Oct. 26 at Windham. Hurley and Davila, who are expected to play basketball, will have to sit out the first 10 games of the 2012-13 season.

If any or all of the three decide to play a second sport, they will be eligible immediately.

- Mike DiMauro