A west suburban high school accepted four students from Sudan about one year ago. (WGN - Chicago)
After hearing an hour of arguments, a Kane County judge said he will rule at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday on the eligibility of four Sudanese athletes who compete for Mooseheart.
The Illinois High School Association has ruled that the four teens, three of whom play on the Mooseheart basketball team, are ineligible. The association contends the child residential school in Batavia recruited the boys for their athletic prowess, a violation of IHSA bylaws.
Mooseheart rejects that allegation, noting that the school specifically told the agency placing the teens that the Batavia institution would take Sudanese children regardless of whether they are athletes.
In arguments Tuesday morning, Mooseheart attorney Peter Rush said preventing the players -- gifted athletes who stand 6 feet 7 inches and above -- from participating in games before the IHSA has a full hearing on the issues is akin to executing a defendant before trial.
IHSA attorney David Bressler said the agency provided Mooseheart "rudimentary due process" by teleconferences and a meeting with IHSA director Marty Hickman before issuing the ineligibility decision.
He also noted that the agency through which Mooseheart brought the teens to campus specifically handles the placement of athletes.
Mooseheart has a game tonight and Wednesday night. The IHSA hearing is set for Dec. 10.
Judge to rule on Mooseheart basketball players from Sudan
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Judge to rule on Mooseheart basketball players from Sudan
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Judge to rule on Mooseheart basketball players from Sudan
