The Ohio High School Athletic Association has imposed penalties against Elyria Catholic High for violating the organization's recruiting rules. The infractions occurred in the school's football program. The Panthers have been placed on probation for three years, with restrictions placed on a member of the football coaching staff. The football program will not be allowed to conduct "showcase" camps...
The Ohio High School Athletic Association has imposed penalties against Elyria Catholic High for violating the organization's recruiting rules. The infractions occurred in the school's football program.
The Panthers have been placed on probation for three years, with restrictions placed on a member of the football coaching staff. The football program will not be allowed to conduct "showcase" camps at the school for three years and further recruiting violations in any sport will disqualify the Panthers from competing in the state tournament in that sport.
The school also was fined $2,500, with the money going to the OHSAA "Respect the Game" sportsmanship fund. Elyria Catholic will be required to rectify its communications guidelines for athletic department personnel, especially coaches.
Athletic Director Barbara Salata and football coach Ben Malbasa both said response would have to come from Elyria Catholic Principal Amy Butler. Butler could not be reached for comment.
"While we are certainly appreciative of the cooperation displayed by Elyria Catholic's administrators, it is very unfortunate that this situation has occurred," said OHSAA Commissioner Dan Ross in a release. "We have been thorough in our review of the particulars in this case and have followed the bylaws that have been put in place by the OHSAA membership in administering the penalties."
The OHSAA also ruled that two Elyria Catholic students would be ineligible to compete for the first semester of this school year. Neither student played football this fall.
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