Myrtle Beach, August 11, 2025
News Summary
Myrtle Beach High School has been fined $7,750 after paperwork violations allowed three ineligible athletes to participate during school athletics. The fine was reduced from $10,250 following an appeal process. The school’s athletic director was placed on paid leave due to these violations, and Joe Quigley has been appointed as the interim athletic director. The school aims to settle the fine while reassessing its athletic department processes and has paused the search for a permanent athletic director.
Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach High School has been fined $7,750 following significant paperwork violations that allowed three ineligible athletes to participate during the 2024-25 school year. The penalty resulted from an investigation conducted by the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL), which originally set the fine at $10,250. After an appeal process, the school successfully negotiated a reduction of $2,500.
In a show of commitment to resolving the issue amicably, both Horry County Schools and Myrtle Beach High School expressed appreciation to the SCHSL for their consideration in reducing the fine amount. Officials also highlighted the proactive measures taken by the school in self-reporting the violations and attempting to standardize the athletic department’s processes.
Leadership Changes Prompted by Violations
The violations led to the athletic director, John Cahill, being placed on paid leave in May due to a “failure to complete job responsibilities.” His position has since been reassigned, and he will continue to work within the adult education program of Horry County Schools. In light of the situation, Joe Quigley has been appointed as the new interim athletic director.
Quigley is a well-respected figure in both Horry County and South Carolina, recognized for his strong leadership within athletic programs and his commitment to community service. The school district indicated that Quigley’s interim role is designed to provide support and guidance during the transition period.
Fine Settlement and Transition Plan
The school district intends to settle the fine, believing it will satisfactorily resolve the issues raised by the SCHSL. Additionally, the search for a permanent athletic director, which was already in progress, has been paused. This pause is intended to allow for a clearer assessment of processes and procedures within the athletic department.
This decision was communicated to the community in a letter from Principal Kristin Altman, who emphasized the importance of addressing community concerns. Superintendent Clifford Jones revealed that the missed paperwork deadlines and eligibility challenges came to light in late spring, supporting the rationale behind the temporary halt in the search for a permanent athletic director.
Future of the Athletic Department
The interim appointment of Quigley is seen as a “90-day solution” while the school re-evaluates its athletic department. An assessment will take place at the conclusion of this period to determine the best steps forward.
Summary of Key Details
- Total Fine: $7,750
- Original Fine: $10,250
- Reduction: $2,500 after appeal
- Interim Athletic Director: Joe Quigley
- Former Athletic Director: John Cahill (reassigned)
- Role of the School District: Paying the fine and overseeing the interim leadership
- Search for permanent athletic director: Paused
FAQ
What were the violations at Myrtle Beach High School?
Myrtle Beach High School faced fines due to significant paperwork violations which allowed three ineligible athletes to participate in the 2024-25 school year.
Who is the new interim athletic director?
Joe Quigley has been appointed as the new interim athletic director at Myrtle Beach High School.
How much was the fine reduced?
The original fine of $10,250 was reduced by $2,500 after the school appealed, resulting in a total fine of $7,750.
What is the status of the search for a permanent athletic director?
The search for a permanent athletic director has been paused to allow the school to reassess and clarify processes within the athletic department.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Fine | $7,750 |
| Original Fine | $10,250 |
| Fine Reduction | $2,500 |
| Interim Athletic Director | Joe Quigley |
| Former Athletic Director | John Cahill |
| Search for Permanent AD | Paused |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Myrtle Beach High School Faces Fine Over Eligibility Issues
Coastal Carolina Women’s Soccer Team Ranked Fifth
Gun Incident at Myrtle Beach Middle School Raises Concerns
Myrtle Beach High School Sanctioned Over Athlete Eligibility Violations
Myrtle Beach Hosts Annual Back-to-School Prayer Walk
Myrtle Beach High School Faces Fine for Athletic Violations
Outer Banks Returns to Myrtle Beach for Filming
John Ball Zoo Plans New Aquarium Project in Kent County
Myrtle Beach Community Remembers Sherri Davenport Crawford’s Legacy in Golf
Nancy Mace Launches Gubernatorial Campaign in South Carolina
Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Myrtle Beach High School Fined
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach High School
- WPDE: Myrtle Beach High School Issues
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach High School 2025 Fines
- Horry News: Myrtle Beach High Fined
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School
- WBTW: Myrtle Beach High School Fined
- Google News: Myrtle Beach High School Athletic Department
- Post and Courier: St. James High Hires New Athletic Director
- Google Scholar: Myrtle Beach High School Fines
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.
