The Arizona Daily Star has a story up saying Santa Rita, the No. 1 ranked team in the Tribune’s 4A-II rankings, is forfeiting seven wins from earlier this season.
The story says the Eagles self-reported the use of an ineligible player, but there will be an appeal.
Santa Rita was considered one of the favorites among a crowded field trying for a title. It lost in the championship last season to Scottsdale Notre Dame.
If the forfeits stand, Santa Rita will miss the postseason.
Why shouldn’t the forfeits stand?
Athletes in high school are at a specific age in the developmental process according to the Long-Term Athletic Development Model. At this time in their lives, they need to learn how to compete. If the forfeit does not stand, we are teaching them to learn how to cheat. Or, teaching them that cheating is okay (which it is not).
Patrick