VIDEO - Goose Creek Gators' Disqualified: District Responds to Lost Appeal

Release, Berkeley County School District:

Goose Creek Appeal to SC High School League Denied

At a closed hearing tonight of the SC High School League, the league administrators determined that the Goose Creek football team did not meet the standards for extraordinary conditions and will not play in the playoff game on Friday, Nov. 16, against Bluffton.  

Goose Creek High School football coach Chuck Reedy, principal Jimmy Huskey and Superintendent Rodney Thompson presented their case to league administrators regarding the violation of league guidelines.

In the appeal, Mr. Reedy and Mr. Huskey stated that they notified the league immediately upon learning that a student may be ineligible for play, per league rules. The league took immediate and appropriate action. The school and district exercised their right to appeal based on extraordinary conditions that they believe demonstrates no ill intent and no competitive advantage was gained by the team players, the coaches, the staff or administration.

"We are surprised and disappointed at the outcome of this decision," Superintendent Rodney Thompson stated. "We have upheld the best interests of our students. We are proud of their acccomplishments to date and how they have handled adversity during this trying time."

The updated student transcript record in question was received after the student was enrolled at the school. The original transcript used at the beginning of the season was incomplete. When the student registered for winter sports, an updated transcript was used and the error was found.

Although we adamantly disagree with this decision, the team, school and district appreciate the league's consideration of its appeal. The team thanks community and fans for their support of the players at this time and look forward next season.

"We will be looking into our options and next steps," Thompson said. "We are very proud of our Goose Creek community and our students."