HS FOOT: Crespi's Sylvestre ruled ineligible because of "undue influence"

Sergio Sylvestre, a 6-foot-8, 385-pound offensive lineman who transferred from St. Bernard to Crespi this past summer, has been ruled ineligible because of undue influence, Southern Section spokesman Thom Simmons confirmed today.

Sylvestre, a senior, would have been the biggest player in Crespi history.

Crespi coach Jeremiah Ross does not think the ruling is fair.

"It's unfortunate because the kid didn't even play football last year, so how is that recruiting?" Ross said. "It is what it is. Nobody on my staff has been recruiting kids. It was ruled an outside influence. ... St. Bernard didn't do anything for the kid. They didn't even get equipment to fit him."

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com