Guthrie Player Ruled Ineligible, But Restraining Order Coming

Updated: As the Bluejays&#39; received all of their previously forfeit wins back, Clint Simek&#39;s family says it will file a restraining order against the OSSAA.<br />

Wednesday, November 9th 2011, 2:42 pm

By: News 9


The OSSAA voted Wednesday 10-0 to deny Guthrie senior Clint Simek's appeal that he did not make a bona-fide move from Prague to Guthrie, and therefore is ineligible to play for the Bluejays.

However, the board ruled in favor of Guthrie, allowing the Bluejays to keep the eight wins in question and district title, meaning Guthrie will be eligible to play in the Class 5A playoffs.

Under the ruling, Guthrie head coach Rafe Watkins will not be allowed to be on the sidelines or in the press box for eight games and Simek will be unable to play, but will be eligible for other sports if the paperwork issue is cleared.

The OSSAA board stressed that a single item of paperwork that was not filed was the difference in Simek's eligibility. The board also stated that it was the school staff's responsibility to make sure this paperwork was filed.

Because the board openly tied the fault in the incident to staff at Guthrie High School, the Simek family's attorney told the OSSAA that it would be filing a restraining order on Thursday morning in regards to the eligibility issue.

Speaking in front of the committee on behalf of the school and family were the family's attorney, mother Sherrie, father Tony, older brother Denton, Watkins, Guthrie athletic director Gary Boxley and Guthrie superintendent Terry Simpson.

Simpson is a member of the OSSAA executive committee and was unable to vote on the issue.

The OSSAA was alerted to a possible violation via an anonymous letter after it was discovered that a member of Simek's family was still living in the house in Prague. It was discovered that Clint's half-brother was living in the house, which was on the market, after moving in order to find a job. 

Guthrie was informed of the decision Nov. 3 and filed for an appeal.

Two seasons ago, Simek was the Red Devils' starting quarterback as a sophomore before missing his junior season with an ACL tear. Simek and his family moved from Prague to Guthrie after former coach Charles Atchison was fired in January.

Simek's mother, Sherrie Simek, took a teaching position at Guthrie High School after moving and Prague High School signed off on the OSSAA's Transfer form. The Simek's former home in Prague is on the market, but had yet to sell.

The playoffs will begin Friday, with Class 5A schools being allowed to mutually agree on playing either Friday or Saturday. Guthrie is now slated to host Durant in the opening round of the playoffs. 

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