Weather postpones IHSA, Maine South meeting

Any potential penalties from the Illinois High School Association against Maine South and its football program were put on hold Monday.

The weekend's inclement weather forced the postponement of the IHSA board meeting in Bloomington. Maine South administrators and football coaches were supposed to appear to respond to issues that occurred during the state playoffs.

The IHSA said the hearing with Maine South will take place at the next regularly scheduled board meeting on Jan. 10.

On Nov. 29, two days after Maine South won its third straight Class 8A state title in Champaign, IHSA executive director Marty Hickman said sanctions could be levied against the school for incidents that included the creation, distribution and use of counterfeit sideline passes at the state championship game.

Hickman said it was "unlikely" that Maine South would have to return its title trophy. Possible sanctions could include barring the school from hosting IHSA events including playoff football games.

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," Hickman said 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."

The IHSA asked Maine South to investigate the incidents and present a plan to the board to ensure they didn't occur again.