Kleitz leaving Iroquois, heading to PA

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the delay of certain high school sports seasons it’s causing, is forcing some student-athletes who want to play at the next level to make some tough decisions.

That includes Iroquois Class of 2022 point guard and quarterback Trey Kleitz.

After impressive sophomore football and basketball seasons with the Chiefs, Kleitz has left the school and the state of New York all together.

“It felt like every week (the high school season) was getting pushed back farther and farther,” Kleitz said. “It came to a point that as a family we decided I needed to get into a new school now and then starting working and get ready for the season.”

Kleitz is now enrolled at Port Allegany High School in Pennsylvania, which is about a half hour drive from Olean. He chose the new school in part because he has family in the area.

The now junior wants to play sports in college. He and his family made the decision back in October as they grew concerned over the possibility that New York could end up canceling the football and basketball seasons all-together. He said this is an important time in the recruiting process.

“I’m just working to get a scholarship” Kleitz said. “Junior year is where you get recruited the hardest. I need to have a junior year to put film out there.”

Both of his parents played at the next level.

Kleitz was one the area’s rising young quarterbacks after a strong first season under center last fall.

He threw for nearly 1,400 yards and 15 touchdowns leading the Chiefs to a 6-2 record.

However, his talents on the hardwood were even better.

The 6-foot point guard was set to enter his fourth season on the varsity squad. Last year, he averaged nearly 21 points, over seven assists and over five steals in 21 games this past season. The Chiefs finished with a 13-8 record.

Trey’s father Todd will continue as coach of the Iroquois basketball team.

Kleitz says it was tough to say goodbye to so many friends at Iroquois, but they understood why he made the decision to leave.

Kleitz recognizes this is a fluid situation and says he and his family are taking things day-by-day.

Last week, NYSPHSAA canceled the state championships for winter high-risk sports, which include basketball, and announced the postponement of all high-risk sports seasons until state officials grant authorization.