West St. John provides facts on LHSAA investigation

Published 10:11 am Thursday, September 29, 2022

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EDGARD — West St. John High School administration met with the student body Wednesday to provide insight on an ongoing Louisiana High School Athletic Association investigation.

On Monday, September 26, the school administration and Athletic Director Greg Johnson were informed by an LHSAA representative that student athletes were being flagged and deemed ineligible to compete due to allegedly residing outside of the school attendance zone.

The football and volleyball season will proceed as normal without cancellations, and only the student athletes currently deemed ineligible are not allowed to play while the investigation is underway.

West St. John is awaiting a final decision from the LHSAA regarding the eligibility of the athletes. Once a ruling is made, the school administration and athletic director will have the opportunity to appeal the decision if they feel it is unfair to the students.

In a statement posted to the school’s social media on Wednesday, West St. John administration shared: “We will continue to fight for our students and community. We need your positive support to continue to move our school forward and programs in the right direction for our students.”

Johnson was unable to offer further comment on the investigation at this time.

The decision regarding eligibility of players comes from the LHSAA, not from the school or district administration. According to school administration, the investigation is a result of a routine visit in which a representative from the LHSAA comes to review folders each Fall and Spring.