MT. VERNON, IL — Administration at Mt. Vernon Township High School 201 was recently notified of a potential ineligible player on the varsity football team.  An internal investigation immediately took place, and as a result, a player was removed from the team. Per IHSA policy, the violation was self-reported by MVTHS administration for that agency’s review.

As a result of the IHSA review, it was determined that the district failed to complete proper documentation to verify transfer eligibility of a student athlete, specifically IHSA By-law 3.022.  The IHSA has ruled that the school must forfeit the two games in which the student participated – September 9 against Triad and September 16 against Belleville Althoff. 

MVTHS has taken steps to ensure this violation never occurs again. A plan detailing these measures will be provided to the IHSA.  

Superintendent Melanie Andrews says, “At no time did any member of the MVTHS football coaching staff have any knowledge of the eligibility of this player. Administration would like to apologize to our coaches, players, staff, and community for the procedural oversight. We are proud of our athletic programs and look forward to moving past this situation.”

The Rams record now goes from 5-1 overall and 3-0 in the conference to 3-3 overall and 2-1 in the South 7. Rams were previously playoff eligible with 5 wins and were looking to secure a playoff spot with a 6th win tomorrow night.