Rockton, IL — Hononegah Community High School is facing probation and must forfeit one of its varsity football wins due to an oversight regarding a student-athlete’s eligibility. The issue was brought to light on September 18, when school administration became aware of concerns related to the eligibility of one of the players.
Athletic Director Andrew Walters confirmed he was in communication with the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) during the ruling process. According to the IHSA’s statement released on September 20, the school had started but not fully completed the necessary eligibility paperwork following the student’s transfer to Hononegah. This administrative oversight rendered the player ineligible for the first three games of the season.
As a result, the IHSA ruled that Hononegah Community High School must forfeit its victory against Harlem High School. Additionally, the school is now on probation until the end of the 2024-25 school year; however, this status does not strip the school of its privileges as an IHSA member.
In a statement issued on September 24, Walters took full responsibility for the oversight, saying, “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.”
