IHSA: Football Player in Basic Training Must Sit Out Opener

An Illinois high school football player who missed several practices while attending basic training for the U.S. Army National Guard will have to sit out the team's season opener. The Illinois High School Association has denied Paxton-Buckley-Loda High School senior Eddie Nuss a waiver to play on Aug. 26, citing concerns over his safety because he was unable to attend the mandated 12 preseason practices. Nuss has been in military training in Fort Benning, Ga., since June and is expected to return home later this week. PBL opens it season next Friday.

"I'm disappointed," Nuss's father, Pat, told the Paxton Record. "It's not like he's on vacation. He's not running around doing something illegal. He's doing something good for the country. ... Four days a week, [Eddie] runs five miles with his gear and pack on. That's an extra 20-30 pounds in 100-plus degrees. He'll be in better shape than any kid on the football field when he's out of basic training."

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