Herald news services
RENTON — The Executive Board of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association voted Monday to amend the sanctions previously imposed on the Bellevue High School football program for violating WIAA rules.
The board removed the remaining year on Bellevue’s postseason ban, making the team eligible for postseason play this season. The Wolverines are 3-1 following their 35-21 non-conference victory over Archbishop Murphy on Friday.
The board also voted to strip the team of the state titles it won in 2012, 2013 and 2014, citing a lack of institutional control during those years, while also imposing a $2,500 fine. In addition, the school will be required to provide ongoing reports to the WIAA Executive Board to document institutional reform.
Bellevue High School representatives made a presentation to the WIAA Executive Board on September 24, 2017, detailing the changes made to policies and procedures within the school and school district.
In making the announcement, WIAA Executive Director Mike Colbrese said the board recognized the strides made to address the concerns noted in the March 2016 independent investigative report, but the program’s violation of WIAA core principles and its failure to honor the rules of the organization’s 410 schools and 500,000 students could not go without consequences.
“The Board recognized that there has been a culture shift at Bellevue High School with the changes that have been made to that program,” Colbrese said in a statement.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
