Maine South Put on Probation, but Retains Championship

by Jeff Fisher
Illinois High School Football Huddle

For the second time in two yearw, three-time Illinois 8A champ Maine South has been put on probation by the Illinois High School Association, however, the governing body is allowing the Hawks to keep their 2010 championship.

Friday, the IHSA ruled that the team acted improperly during the Thanksgiving weekend championships by issuing counterfeit sidelines passes, plus failing to limit the number of coaches on the field and in the press box.  As a result of the infractions, head coach Dave Inserra and assistant coach Rick Magsamen will not be allowed to coach the team during the 2011 season opener, plus the school won't be able to host an IHSA state playoff game until at least the quarterfinal round, regardless of its seeding.

"From our perspective, I think administratively they need to get their arms around the football program in general," said Marty Hickman, IHSA Executive Director. "We want them to make sure the culture of their football program is one of, 'We comply with the rules..we do it the right way'. Until they demonstrate that they are complying with our policies, we are not going to let them host a football playoff game."

In 2009, the IHSA put Maine South on probation for a quarterback clinic held at the school in 2009.