June 11, 2008
COLUMBIA -- At its regularly-scheduled meeting Wednesday, the MSHSAA Board of Directors finalized its investigation into allegations of by-law violations by the Vashon High School boy’s basketball program.
The Board determined Wednesday that based on information provided through the school’s internal investigation and first-hand information provided to the Association, including information obtained through earlier assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in St. Louis, evidence of various by-law violations exists. As such, the Board determined that all games played by the school involving ineligible students used during the 2000-01 season and the 2002-03 to 2005-06 seasons must be forfeited.
Games and placings to be forfeited include five district championships won during this span as well as the 2001 Class 4A state championship, the 2004 Class 4 state championship, the 2005 Class 5 state runner-up finish, and the 2006 Class 5 state championship. All team awards and trophies presented to the school must also be returned as part of the Board’s final decision.
Wednesday’s hearing, which was heard in closed session due to discussion of personally-identifiable student information protected by Federal student privacy law, brought to a close the investigation of Vashon’s boy’s basketball program that began in November 2006.
“There have been many aspects of this investigation that had to be looked at with great care and without a rush to judgment,” said MSHSAA Board of Directors President Don Edwards. “Our task was to determine what could be substantiated and corroborated with credible information while keeping the school involved throughout the process. The length of the investigation reflects the desire of the Association to be as thorough and fair as possible.”
In April, the Board received the results of Vashon’s internal investigation and self-reported school violations of By-Law 102 with respect to monitoring and enforcement of By-Law 216, undue influence, while improperly certifying students as eligible for the period of 2002-2006. The Board also received a self-report for school violations of By-Law 102 with respect to monitoring and enforcement of By-Law 238, residence and transfers, while improperly certifying students as eligible in 2000-01 and from the period 2002-06. At the April hearing, school and school district representatives sought additional time to further investigate potential violations and waived certain procedural rights under By-Law 910 and By-Law 1025. In addition, the Vashon representatives requested at that time that the MSHSAA Board of Directors take further action and consider appropriate penalties at its June 11 meeting.
The Board also commended the current administration of Vashon High School and the St. Louis Public Schools for their cooperation and integrity throughout the process.
“I think everyone involved in the process is glad to put this behind them and move forward,” said MSHSAA Executive Director Dr. Kerwin Urhahn. “School officials and representatives of St. Louis Public Schools have been cooperative and forthright throughout this process, and have made it clear from the onset that the school has turned a page in its history and the current administration and staff are in full compliance with the rules of the Association. Member schools agree to abide by the rules they put in place, and everyone understands that there are consequences when violations occur.”
-30-
Basketball Finishes Affected
2001 – Class 4A District 4 title forfeited to Normandy; Playoff wins over DeSmet, CBC, Eureka and Liberty forfeited. Liberty will be recognized as the historical state champion.
2003 – Class 4 District 5 title forfeited to Cleveland NJROTC; Playoff win over Ladue Horton Watkins forfeited.
2004 – Class 4 District 5 title forfeited to Cleveland NJROTC; Playoff wins over MICDS, St. Francis Borgia, Dexter and Kearney forfeited. Kearney will be recognized as the historical state champion.
2005 – Class 5 District 5 title forfeited to Beaumont; Playoff wins over Francis Howell Central, McCluer North and Kickapoo forfeited. Vashon's runner-up finish is vacated.
2006 – Class 5 District 8 title forfeited to Beaumont; Playoff wins over Hazelwood Central, Vianney, Rockhurst and Kickapoo forfeited. Kickapoo will be recognized as the historical state champion.