A west suburban high school accepted four students from Sudan about one year ago. (WGN - Chicago)
Judge David R. Akemann said that the full board of the state athletic association must hear arguments on both sides of the players’ eligibility issue before preventing them from continuing to compete for the Red Ramblers.
A hearing before the Illinois High School Association is scheduled for Monday in Bloomington.
The three Sudanese, meanwhile, will suit up tonight against Westminster Christian.
The Red Ramblers will also play Wednesday against rival Hinckley-Big Rock, which started the eligibility investigation by filing a complaint with the IHSA in March, 2012.
The IHSA 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.
Judge: Mooseheart players from Sudan can suit up for now
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Judge: Mooseheart players from Sudan can suit up for now
