Weather postpones IHSA, Maine South meeting to January

Inclement weather forced the postponement of Monday's Illinois High School Association board meeting in Bloomington, where Maine South football coaches and members of its administration were scheduled to respond to issues that occurred during the state playoffs.

The hearing will now be part of the Jan. 10 IHSA board meeting.

The school was asked to investigate incidents that included the creation, distribution and use of counterfeit sideline passes at the state championship game in Champaign on Nov. 27, and present a plan to prevent such problems from occurring again.

The Class 8A championship game in Champaign was marred by other issues, including incidents with security and local police over the removal of some Maine South individuals in possession of fake passes, and the presence of alumni in uniform on the sideline. The IHSA also expressed concerns over the conduct of the school's student body at the semifinal contest hosted by Loyola.

“It is unfortunate to have what should be a time of celebration marred by the unethical actions of individuals associated with the school's football program,” said IHSA Executive Director Marty Hickman on Nov. 29. “As we told members of the Maine South administration on a conference call, we take these abuses very seriously.

“Not only do these actions present significant safety issues, but some could potentially provide a competitive advantage, which may warrant sanctions.”

Hickman said it was “unlikely” those sanctions would include the Hawks returning their third straight Class 8A state title trophy. Among other penalties expected to be considered, the school could be barred from hosting IHSA events.