An Illinois high school has been put on probation and will be forced to forfeit one of its varsity football wins after an "oversight" from the athletic director.
According to WIFR, Hononegah Community High School was made aware of concerns regarding the eligibility of one of its varsity football players on Sept. 18. Athletic director Andrew Walters worked with the IHSA on a ruling.
"The school had begun, but not fully completed the appropriate eligibility paperwork related to a student-athlete's transfer to Hononegah High School," IHSA wrote in a statement, "making the student-athlete ineligible for the first three games of the season."
The IHSA issued the following ruling:
- Based on the information provided and the provisions of IHSA By-laws 3.041 and 6.021, Hononegah Community High School is required to forfeit its win against Harlem High School
- Under the provisions of IHSA By-Laws 3.041 and 6.021, Hononegah Community High School is now on probation until the end of the 2024-25 school year. The probationary status does not deprive Hononegah Community High School of its privileges as an IHSA member school.
"As the Athletic Director, I take full responsibility for the oversight that led to this sanction," Walters said. 'This athletic transfer’s timing and particular circumstances led to an oversight in my office’s protocols to ensure the student’s eligibility. I acknowledge this failure and assure our athletes and the community that we have taken immediate steps and will continue to be vigilant to ensure it does not happen again."
