Myrtle Beach, SC, January 13, 2026
Myrtle Beach High School faces a hefty fine of $7,750 imposed by the South Carolina High School League due to significant violations in student-athlete eligibility paperwork. This incident highlights the need for stringent administrative oversight in South Carolina high school sports. Following an internal investigation, the school has acknowledged the issues and is undergoing a leadership transition in its athletic department. The community is urged to support the school as it works to ensure compliance and maintain fair play in its athletic programs.
Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach High Fined for Eligibility Violations
SCHSL Imposes Penalty After Paperwork Issues and Leadership Change
The South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) has levied a significant fine against Myrtle Beach High School due to violations concerning student-athlete eligibility and incomplete paperwork. This action underscores the critical importance of meticulous administrative processes in upholding the integrity of South Carolina prep sports. The situation has also led to a leadership transition within the school’s athletic department, emphasizing the need for robust compliance measures to ensure fair play and equitable opportunities for all student-athletes.
High school athletics in Myrtle Beach, SC, are a cornerstone of community spirit, fostering discipline, teamwork, and personal growth among young individuals. The adherence to established regulations is fundamental to maintaining a level playing field and nurturing an environment where competitive excellence can thrive responsibly. This recent development at Myrtle Beach High School serves as a reminder of the foundational principles that govern prep sports statewide and the collective commitment required from schools, administrators, and the community to uphold them.
Details of the Violations and Fine
Myrtle Beach High School was assessed a fine of $7,750 by the South Carolina High School League. This penalty follows an internal investigation that revealed what were described as “significant paperwork violations” within the athletic department. The initial fine issued by the SCHSL was $10,250, but it 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 and expressed gratitude for the fine reduction.
Scope of Paperwork Issues
The violations involved eligibility issues for student-athletes during the 2024-25 academic year. Internal communications from Horry County Schools indicated that more than 350 student-athletes across over a dozen teams had either missing or late eligibility paperwork. These teams included football, competitive cheer, wrestling, and both boys and girls track and field, pointing to a widespread administrative oversight. Specific discrepancies identified during the investigation included missing eligibility certificates, eligibility forms submitted after student-athletes had already participated in events, and incomplete transfer paperwork.
Impact on Student-Athletes and Team Records
The paperwork issues resulted in eligibility concerns for several student-athletes. Three ineligible student-athletes participated in wrestling and junior varsity football for Myrtle Beach High School, which necessitated the school to forfeit any contests in which they had participated. Such situations underscore the serious implications of administrative oversights on team records and, more importantly, on the student-athletes who dedicate themselves to their sports. Ensuring eligibility is a foundational aspect of fair competition and reinforces the value of personal responsibility in adhering to rules.
Leadership Transition in Athletics
The situation at Myrtle Beach High School has also been connected to a change in leadership within the athletic department. The school’s athletic director, who had served since 2011, was placed on administrative leave in May 2025 due to a failure to complete job responsibilities and subsequently resigned effective June 30, 2025. Following this, Joe Quigley was appointed as the interim athletic director. This transition reflects the school and district’s commitment to addressing the identified concerns and standardizing processes to rectify issues within the athletic department for the 2024-2025 academic year and beyond. Mr. Quigley is recognized for his leadership in athletics throughout Horry County and South Carolina, offering essential support during this transitional period.
Strengthening Compliance and Community Support
Myrtle Beach High School and Horry County Schools are actively working to address and rectify concerns within the athletic department, focusing on standardizing procedures to enhance the overall excellence of its athletic programs. The proactive steps taken, including self-reporting the issues to the SCHSL, demonstrate a commitment to compliance and accountability. This commitment is vital for maintaining the trust and engagement of the community, local sponsors, and fans who are integral to the success and spirit of high school sports in Myrtle Beach SC high school football and other athletic endeavors.
Looking Forward
The resolution of these issues is crucial for upholding the values of discipline, fair play, and sportsmanship that define high school athletics in the Palmetto State. As Myrtle Beach High School moves forward, the renewed focus on administrative precision will help ensure that student-athletes can compete confidently, knowing that all foundational requirements for their participation are met. This experience reinforces the importance of diligent oversight for all South Carolina prep sports programs. We encourage the community to continue supporting our local athletic programs and student-athletes. Stay informed on the latest developments in Myrtle Beach SC high school sports by following HEREmyrtlebeach.com.
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 at Myrtle Beach High School.
Key Details of the Myrtle Beach High School Fine
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Fine Amount | $7,750 | State-level |
| Issuing Body | South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) | State-level |
| Reason for Fine | Significant paperwork violations and eligibility issues | State-level |
| Original Fine Amount | $10,250 | State-level |
| Fine Reduction | $2,500 after appeal | State-level |
| Affected Student-Athletes | Over 350 with missing/late paperwork | State-level |
| Affected Teams | More than a dozen (e.g., football, wrestling, cheer) | State-level |
| Leadership Change | Former Athletic Director resigned; Joe Quigley appointed Interim AD | State-level |
| School’s Response | Self-reported issues, standardizing processes | State-level |
Now Happening on X
- @TheColeBryson (January 9, 2026): News update from Belton-Honea Path principal regarding SCHSL review of a state championship incident, noting student-athletes’ actions inconsistent with values. View on X
- @seatea1014847 (January 7, 2026): Explanation of tampering rules in high school athletics, including potential punishments like coach suspensions, school fines, and recruiting restrictions for contacting players from other teams. View on X
- @DanODonnellShow (January 7, 2026): Discussion of a school’s quick investigation and disciplinary action following an athletics incident involving student safety. View on X
- @SCSportsGroup_ (January 10, 2026): Comment on likely penalties from SCHSL in a related high school sports matter. View on X
- @CoachEBenton (January 12, 2026): Debate on SCHSL rule changes and why an individual should not face punishment without others in a high school sports context. View on X
- @coach__Thomas66 (January 12, 2026): Details on bylaws prohibiting contact to persuade athletes to switch schools, emphasizing fair play and potential sanctions for violations. View on X
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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.
