Dear Catholic Central Families, Alumni, and Friends,

This afternoon, October 29th, the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) issued a ruling regarding one of our student-athletes on the football team. The MHSAA determined, under its transfer regulations, that a student previously deemed eligible no longer satisfies the requirements for athletic eligibility.

As a result of this ruling, Catholic Central must forfeit five victories from the 2026 football season in which the student-athlete participated. These forfeitures alter the team’s official record and render us ineligible for postseason competition, resulting in our removal from the 2026 MHSAA Football Playoffs.

Last Friday, the MHSAA informed us that an investigation related to the student-athlete’s eligibility would continue, but our team was cleared to participate in the postseason. We are in disbelief that this decision was issued today, just over 24 hours before kicking off the postseason.

You’re likely wondering how we arrived at today. This student enrolled at Catholic Central in January 2026. In February, his former school filed a complaint with the MHSAA alleging an athletically motivated transfer. Catholic Central cooperated fully with the MHSAA’s review, sharing every record requested and answering every question, and in May the MHSAA found the allegation unsupported. He did not compete while the review was underway. The family completed their move out of the former school district over the summer, and in August the MHSAA issued a formal letter confirming his immediate eligibility.

On October 15th, the MHSAA notified Catholic Central that new information about the family’s former residence, which claims the family is in violation of the MHSAA’s residential change policy, was submitted for their review. Although the MHSAA did not require it, we voluntarily held the student-athlete out of the season’s last two games while the matter was reviewed.

We respect the MHSAA and the important role it plays in high school athletics. At the same time, we are deeply disappointed with this ruling, especially because its consequences fall on our entire program. Every action taken by Catholic Central was in full compliance with MHSAA eligibility guidelines. While MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl shared in a press release that our administration has “been fully cooperative and highly professional,” it offers little solace to our players, our coaches and our community.

Catholic Central intends to appeal this decision through the established MHSAA process. We do so knowing that, because of the timing, even a successful appeal will not restore our team’s opportunity to compete in the playoffs. We are pursuing it because we believe we owe it to every member school that relies on MHSAA determinations that decisions should be made and communicated in a way that respects the players, coaches, and communities they affect, especially when they come this late and are final.

Our young men and their coaches earned the opportunity to compete in post-season play through their effort, sacrifice, and character. Losing the chance to compete for a state championship is a heavy loss for them, and our coaching staff is working with the student-athletes to help them process this decision.

We ask that you hold all affected by this decision in prayer. Out of care for the athlete and his family, and in keeping with our obligations to protect student privacy, we will not discuss the details further. We ask that you extend the same charity and respect to them that you would want for your own child and family.

This season will not end the way any of us hoped. But no ruling can take away what our young men demonstrated: the character they showed, the brotherhood they formed, and the faith that carried them. We will get through this together, as one Catholic Central family. Thank you for your prayers and support.

Greg Deja
President

Abby Kanitz ’02
Principal

Mike Jacob ’03
Athletic Director