Glenelg won't forfeit football victories

High Schools

Despite having used an ineligible athlete, Glenelg won't forfeit seven football victories from the 2004 season because its appeal to the 10-member Maryland Public Secondary School Athletic Association Appeals Committee was granted Monday.

Robert Stover, chairman of the appeals committee, informed Glenelg principal Karl Schindler in a letter dated March 21 that the appeal was granted based on the testimony of MPSSAA executive director Ned Sparks, Schindler and his staff, and other employees of the Howard County school system.

"From my point of view, Glenelg made a very compelling case that they had done due diligence and shouldn't be held to a standard beyond reason," Sparks said. "This is a classic example of how the system works. If there's a violation, you have to apply penalties, but then you can appeal."

The three-member Howard County Rules and Infractions Committee originally imposed no penalties on the school, , but, after intercession by Sparks, it ruled that Glenelg would forfeit.

"I'm happy that we were able to protect the integrity of Glenelg," said acting athletic director Cam Rahnama. "What do you do when a school does everything possible to check eligibility but the parents lied to you? Where's the protection for the school?"

The student lived outside Howard County but attended Glenelg, making him ineligible. The student's penalty of being prohibited from participating in sports the rest of this year and next year was not appealed and remains in place.