Andrew Loudenback, a quarterback heading into his senior season at Class 5A Chaparral, has been ruled ineligible for the Wolverines’ first five games of the regular season for violating the state’s transfer rule.
The ruling stems from Loudenback’s junior season, when he transferred from Ponderosa following the 2008 season.
According to Colorado High School Activities Association assistant commissioner Bert Borgmann, Loudenback’s status was reported by Chaparral after the 2009 season. Loudenback was originally considered eligible through the Wolverines’ office, but his family was unable to sell its house, thereby negating a legitimate transfer. All transfer students must change domiciles to be eligible to change schools and retain varsity eligibility, according to CHSAA bylaws.
Loudenback was a starter throughout 2009 but should have sat out his team’s first five varsity games, according to CHSAA rules.
“The young man should have been held out of the first five varsity games but will instead sit in 2010, matching the same consequence any transfer should have done after a non-bona fide move,” Borgmann said. “That’s where it stands.”
Chaparral’s backup QB is Christian Gann, who also plays wide receiver. He will likely start in Loudenback’s absence.
Wolverines coach John Vogt indicated the family plans to challenge the ruling and perhaps also apply for a hardship waiver.
“Andrew’s a great kid, a talent, and a kid whose grades have been the highest he’s had in high school, and the family thought it was doing things the right way,” Vogt said.
The Wolverines, who return 19 starters, open Sept. 3 against two-time defending state champion Mullen.
Neil H. Devlin: 303-954-1714 or ndevlin@denverpost.com
