IHSA rules Elder ineligible at Burlington C.

Former Westminster Christian pitcher Kevin Elder’s appeal to play baseball this spring at Burlington Central was denied by the IHSA Board of Directors Monday following a hearing in Bloomington.

A standout right-hander committed to the University of Arizona, Elder transferred at the holiday break from Westminster Christian, a private school in Elgin, to Burlington Central. The transfer was made for financial reasons, according to Jim Elder, Kevin’s father.

The family’s application for eligibility was initially denied 10 days ago by IHSA Executive Director Marty Hickman, citing violations of Bylaws 3.041 and 3.072.

The Elders traveled to Bloomington Monday along with Burlington Central principal Matthew Haug and athletic director Steve Gertz to appeal the ruling, which was upheld by the board.

The decision sidelines the 6-foot, 215-pound senior. As a sophomore, Elder and teammate Ryan Perez led Westminster Christian to the Class 1A state championship. In three varsity seasons he has 366 strikeouts in 233⅔ innings. Last season he struck out 132 and walked 26 in 69⅔ innings with a 1.81 ERA and a WHIP of 0.88.

Burlington Central officials declined comment on the issue.