Myrtle Beach, SC, January 14, 2026
Myrtle Beach High School has been fined $7,750 by the South Carolina High School League due to significant paperwork violations in its athletic department. This fine follows an internal investigation revealing over 350 student-athletes faced eligibility issues due to missing or late paperwork. A leadership transition occurred as the athletic director resigned following these issues, and Joe Quigley has been appointed as the interim athletic director. The school emphasizes the importance of administrative oversight to maintain fairness and integrity in high school sports.
Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach High School Fined for Eligibility Violations; Interim Athletic Director Appointed
Myrtle Beach High School has received a significant fine from the South Carolina High School League due to extensive paperwork violations within its athletic department, leading to a change in leadership. This development underscores the vital role of meticulous administrative oversight in maintaining the fairness and integrity of prep sports across South Carolina.
The situation at Myrtle Beach High School serves as a reminder that the foundation of high school athletics rests on adherence to established regulations, ensuring a level playing field for all student-athletes. Community engagement and support are crucial as the school addresses these challenges and works to uphold the principles of discipline and personal responsibility within its programs.
South Carolina High School League Imposes Fine
The South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) levied a fine of $7,750 against Myrtle Beach High School. This penalty followed an internal investigation into what were described as “significant paperwork violations” within the school’s athletic department.
Initially, the SCHSL issued a fine of $10,250. However, the fine was subsequently reduced by $2,500 after an appeal by Myrtle Beach High School was considered. Horry County Schools acknowledged the school’s proactive approach in self-reporting the issues to the league and expressed appreciation for the reduction in the fine.
Scope of Violations and Affected Programs
The investigation revealed that over 350 student-athletes across more than a dozen teams had either missing or late eligibility paperwork during the previous school year. These teams included football, competitive cheer, wrestling, and both boys’ and girls’ track and field, indicating a widespread administrative issue.
Specific problems identified included missing eligibility certificates, eligibility forms submitted after student-athletes had already participated in events, and incomplete transfer paperwork. These administrative lapses directly violated the regulations set forth by the SCHSL, which is the governing body for interscholastic athletic programs statewide.
Impact on Student-Athletes and Team Records
The paperwork issues led to eligibility concerns for several student-athletes. Three ineligible student-athletes participated in wrestling and junior varsity football for Myrtle Beach High School. This participation necessitated the school to forfeit any contests in which these ineligible student-athletes had taken part. Such situations highlight the serious implications of administrative oversights on team records and the dedicated student-athletes.
Leadership Transition in the Athletic Department
Concurrent with the investigation into the paperwork violations, a leadership change occurred within the athletic department. John Cahill, who had served as the athletic director for Myrtle Beach High School since 2011, was placed on paid administrative leave on May 7 due to a “failure to complete job responsibilities.” Mr. Cahill subsequently resigned from his position, with his tenure officially ending on June 30. Despite his resignation as athletic director, he remains employed with Horry County Schools as a teacher in Adult Education.
Appointment of Interim Athletic Director
Following Mr. Cahill’s resignation, Joe Quigley was appointed as the interim athletic director for Myrtle Beach High School. Mr. Quigley is recognized for his leadership in athletics within Horry County and across South Carolina, and he will provide guidance during this transitional phase for Myrtle Beach High School’s athletic program.
Community and Program Outlook
This period of adjustment for Myrtle Beach High School’s athletic department emphasizes the importance of strong administrative practices for successful sports programs. Ensuring compliance with state-level regulations is paramount for fostering an environment where student-athletes can thrive, learn discipline, and build character through competition. The ongoing commitment to rectifying these issues reflects the school’s dedication to its student-athletes and the integrity of South Carolina prep sports.
The community’s continued support for Myrtle Beach High School’s athletic programs is vital during this transition. Attending games and encouraging student-athletes reinforces the positive values of hard work and teamwork that high school sports instill. For more updates on Myrtle Beach SC high school football and other local sports, continue to follow HEREmyrtlebeach.com’s comprehensive coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the fine imposed on Myrtle Beach High School?
- Myrtle Beach High School was fined $7,750 by the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL).
- Why was Myrtle Beach High School fined?
- The school was fined due to “significant paperwork violations” and issues related to eligibility, mainly stemming from incomplete paperwork for over 350 student-athletes.
- Who imposed the fine on Myrtle Beach High School?
- The fine was imposed by the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL).
- What was the original fine amount before the reduction?
- The original fine issued by the SCHSL was $10,250.
- How many student-athletes were affected by paperwork issues?
- Over 350 student-athletes across more than a dozen teams had either missing or late eligibility paperwork.
- What was the role of the previous athletic director?
- The school’s athletic director, who served since 2011, was placed on administrative leave due to a failure to complete job responsibilities and subsequently resigned.
- Who is the interim athletic director for Myrtle Beach High School?
- Joe Quigley has been appointed as the interim athletic director for Myrtle Beach High School.
Key Details of Myrtle Beach High School Athletics Sanctions
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Final Fine Amount | $7,750 | State-level |
| Initial Fine Amount | $10,250 | State-level |
| Reason for Fine | Significant paperwork violations and eligibility issues | State-level |
| Number of Affected Student-Athletes | Over 350 | State-level |
| Teams Affected | Football, competitive cheer, wrestling, boys’ and girls’ track and field (among others) | State-level |
| Previous Athletic Director | John Cahill (resigned) | State-level |
| Interim Athletic Director | Joe Quigley | State-level |
| Governing Body | South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) | State-level |
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Myrtle Beach High Fined for Eligibility Violations
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.
