Phone: 317-846-6601
Fax: 317-575-4244 Website:
www.ihsaa.org
__________________________________________________________________
MEDIA ADVISORY
Contact:
E-Mail: jbaker@ihsaa.org
OUR
LADY OF
REMOVED
FROM BOYS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
Indiana High School Athletic Association Commissioner Blake
Ress announced today that the boys’ basketball program at Our Lady of
Providence High School has been placed on probation
for the 2004-05 school year and suspended from participating in the 2004-05
Boys’ Basketball Tournament Series. This
ruling stems from violations of Rules 3 (Administrative Responsibility) and 20
(Undue Influence) of the IHSAA By-Laws.
Additionally, a limited number of student athletes have been ruled
ineligible at Our Lady of Providence High School for 2004-05.
Commissioner Ress indicated that, although the violations
were serious enough to necessitate a significant penalty, “the pro-active
response of
“Throughout this investigation by the IHSAA,” Ress
continued, “the administration at
The Commissioner added, “Although investigations of rule
infractions are trying and stressful for both the Association and the school
involved, I continue to be impressed by the forthrightness and honesty of the
administrators in our member schools.
This inquiry has not changed that opinion. Our Lady of Providence High School remains a
valued member of the IHSAA family.”
STATEMENT
FROM OUR LADY OF
Today, the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA)
handed down sanctions that affect the boys basketball
program at Our Lady of Providence High School.
The school administration and board accepts the rulings and the
sanctions to be applied.
It is unfortunate that these sanctions will affect our
students who participate in the boy’s basketball program. At
Administrative policies and procedures are being developed
to prevent future violations of Rule 3.
In addition, a comprehensive informational and educational program as
relates to Rule 20 is being developed for both our internal and external
communities.
The school cooperated fully and completely with the IHSAA
investigation and we are very grateful to officials at the IHSAA for the respect
and professionalism they have shown us.
We would like everyone to know that wrongdoing of any kind
is contrary to the moral and ethical standards in place at Our Lady of
Providence High School, where we work hard to provide our students with a strong
Catholic-based education.
Although this has been a very painful experience for the
entire school community, it is one that will move us forward in every way. We will be a better school as result.
Gerald
Wilkinson, President
Our
Lady of
IHSAA 03-04/39