South View H.S. Keeps Closer Tab On Student Athletes After Forfeiting Title

It is a new year atSouth View High School-- a chance for sports teams to start off the season with a clean slate. Last month, the schoolforfeited the Mid-South Conference titleafter officials discovered the football team used an ineligible player.

"We put that behind us, and now, we are striving forward. It's a new season," says Ronnie Luck, school athletic director.

According to athletic eligibility rules, students must meet requirements in two basic areas: attendance and academics. A student has to pass three out of four subjects the previous semester.

Students must have attended class 85 percent of the previous semester. They cannot participate in more than four seasons in any sport since entering the ninth grade. They must also be under 19 years old by October 16.

Student-athletes say they do not have a problem with the eligibility rules.

"I think it's a good thing. It requires the students to do good in school and keep up their grades," says volleyball player Chassity Seymour.

"I make sure I come to class on time and don't give my coaches any problems. They do check up on you," says football player Marcus Johnson.

Luck says his staff will continue checking up on students to make sure what happened last year will never happen again. So far, the South View High is having a winning football season at 4-0.