Myrtle Beach, September 9, 2025
News Summary
Myrtle Beach High School faced a fine of $7,750 due to serious violations of athletic eligibility paperwork affecting over 350 student athletes. Issues included missing eligibility certificates and late submissions. The sports impacted included football, wrestling, and track and field. The athletic director was put on leave and has since resigned, leading to the appointment of an interim director. The school is focused on resolving these eligibility concerns as it prepares for the upcoming athletic season and aims to restore community trust.
Myrtle Beach High School has been fined nearly $8,000 following significant violations related to athletic eligibility paperwork. The issue arose during the 2024-2025 school year when more than 350 student athletes were found to have missing or overdue eligibility documentation. The South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) was notified of these problems, which led to an initial fine of $10,250 after self-reporting by Horry County Schools.
Upon appealing the fine, Myrtle Beach High successfully reduced the penalty to $7,750. School officials expressed their appreciation to the SCHSL for this consideration during the appeal process. These eligibility issues affected a wide range of sports, including football, competitive cheer, wrestling, and boys and girls track and field.
Specific concerns included missing eligibility certificates, forms submitted after the start of the athletic season, and incomplete transfer paperwork. The ineligibility of three students, who participated in junior varsity football and wrestling, resulted in forfeiture of those games. This situation highlights the serious implications of inadequate management regarding student athlete eligibility.
The fallout from these compliance issues has affected the leadership within the school’s athletic program. John Cahill, the athletic director, was placed on paid leave on May 7 for failing to complete necessary job responsibilities. Following this, Cahill resigned effective June 30 but will continue his role as a teacher in the Adult Education department within Horry County Schools. In the midst of this change, Joe Quigley has been appointed as the interim athletic director.
Principal Kristin Altman confirmed that the hiring process for a new permanent athletic director has been momentarily paused due to the ongoing eligibility concerns. Altman reassured the community about the school’s commitment to the growth and leadership of its athletics program.
These incidents have raised questions about the administration’s handling of athletic eligibility matters and may impact community trust as the school year approaches its next phase. With the school set to host the 2025 CNB Kickoff Classic on August 15, along with the initiation of football practice, the administration is under pressure to resolve these issues promptly and effectively.
The situation at Myrtle Beach High School serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining accurate and timely paperwork in any athletic program. With over 350 student athletes counting on their school to support their participation in sports, resolving these issues will be essential for restoring confidence heading into the 2025-2026 academic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the fine imposed on Myrtle Beach High School?
The school faced a fine due to over 350 student athletes having missing or late eligibility paperwork during the 2024-2025 school year.
How much was the initial fine and what amount was eventually set?
The initial fine amount was $10,250, which was later reduced to $7,750 after an appeal by Myrtle Beach High.
What are some consequences of the eligibility issues?
Ineligibility led to three student athletes being barred from competing, and forfeits were applied to contests in wrestling and junior varsity football.
Who is currently overseeing the athletic department?
Joe Quigley has been appointed as the interim athletic director after John Cahill resigned.
What initiatives is the school pursuing following these incidents?
The school has paused the hiring process for a new athletic director and is focused on ensuring compliance and community trust as it prepares for the upcoming school year.
Key Features of Myrtle Beach High School Athletic Eligibility Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Student Athletes Affected | Over 350 |
| Initial Fine | $10,250 |
| Reduced Fine | $7,750 |
| Ineligibility Sports | Football, Competitive Cheer, Wrestling, Boys and Girls Track and Field |
| Interim Athletic Director | Joe Quigley |
| Date of John Cahill’s Resignation | June 30 |
| Upcoming Events | CNB Kickoff Classic on August 15 |
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Myrtle Beach High School Fined
- My Horry News: Myrtle Beach High School Fined
- WBTW News: Myrtle Beach High School Fined
- Wikipedia: Athletic Eligibility
- Google News: Myrtle Beach High School Athletic Eligibility
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
