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FHSAA Rules Top Running Back Must Sit Out Senior Year

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By ADAM ADKINS

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 17, 2008

SEFFNER - Sirchauncey Holloway, a running back who in January transferred from Plant City to Armwood, has been declared ineligible for his senior year after an investigation by the Florida High School Athletic Association showed he falsified his address to gain admittance to Armwood.
Armwood coach Sean Callahan and athletic director Don Hill announced the FHSAA's decision Monday morning. The letter detailing the FHSAA's decision, which was dated June 9, was received by Armwood officials last week.

The letter stated Holloway violated two FHSAA bylaws, one of which pertained to falsifying information to gain eligibility status. The penalty for violating that bylaw was a one-year suspension and it applies to all FHSAA member schools, meaning Holloway is ineligible to play football at any Florida school associated with the state athletic organization.

"I'm very upset, but there's really not anything I can do about it," said Holloway, who was expected to be the Hawks' starting tailback in 2008. "I'm really sad. It's like a downfall to me because this was my senior year; I'm going into my senior year and I can't play. I was hoping I was going to have a big season."

Added Callahan: "I feel bad for Sirchauncey. He's a very good football player and a great kid."

The investigation was prompted by a letter sent from Plant City officials to the FHSAA office May 23 detailing the school's own investigation into Holloway using a falsified address to transfer. According to the FHSAA's investigative report released Monday, Holloway used the address of a family friend who lived in a mobile home park in Armwood's district. Holloway's father, Calvin, eventually admitted to an FHSAA investigator that he fabricated the entire scenario in order for his son to gain entry into Armwood. The report stated Calvin Holloway expressed "great remorse" for his actions after confessing.

The FHSAA did not penalize or reprimand Armwood. Both Callahan and Hill said the school did nothing improper on Holloway's behalf.

"The integrity of the program is still intact," Hill said.

Both Callahan and Hill said Armwood officials had no plans to file an appeal with the FHSAA on Holloway's behalf. Holloway said he and his family may explore the option on their own.

It was unclear Monday whether Holloway would have to transfer out of Armwood since it's now known the address he used to gain admittance was falsified. Hill said the school was awaiting word from the school district on the situation. Holloway is zoned to attend Plant City. On Monday, Holloway expressed his desire to remain at Armwood.
Holloway rushed for 972 yards and nine touchdowns as a junior for Plant City. The 5-foot-8, 190-pound tailback picked up his first scholarship offer last week from Liberty, a Football Championship Subdivision program, and also had drawn interest from Troy, Florida Atlantic, Florida International and Wake Forest.

Junior Sherman Jessie, who served as the backup last season to the recently graduated Eric Smith, is expected to take over as the Hawks' starting tailback. Jessie accounted for 406 yards of total offense (267 rushing) and three touchdowns in 2007.

Reporter Adam Adkins can be reached at (813) 657-4533 or aadkins@tampatrib.com.

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