Wrestler Ineligible To Compete After Transfer From Downers North

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — A former Downers Grove North wrestler with a disability has been denied eligibility to compete after transferring to Mondini Catholic High School. The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) contends that the change in guardianship linked to Harrison Konder's transfer was not necessary.

His mother, Amanda Hepp Konder, took to Facebook to say they transferred Harrison so he could be at a school with "fewer students, less noise, more personal attention, and the opportunity to continue wrestling."

According to Hepp Konder's post, an academic counselor supported the transfer for Harrison, who was born deaf, but the school's principal and athletic director did not.

District 99 shared the following statement with Patch Tuesday:

"The Illinois High School Association governs the eligibility of student athletes through its process and makes all decisions regarding eligibility. Decisions regarding a student’s eligibility are made by the IHSA; District 99 has no oversight over the decision, nor is there a process for us to overturn or reverse an IHSA decision.We support all students, and respect a family’s decision to send their student to a school that best suits their educational needs. When families request to transfer their student out of our school, we complete required paperwork in an honest and transparent manner. The administration has not protested any decision by the IHSA in regard to any transfer."

In a statement shared with Patch, the IHSA also commented:

“The 800-plus member high schools that encompass the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) are charged with creating the by-laws that the schools, student-athletes, and coaches must abide by. The IHSA office is charged with enforcing those rules, which seek to reinforce the Association’s mission of creating “equitable participation in interscholastic athletics and activities that enrich the education experience.”

Per the requirements of IHSA by-law 3.045, the IHSA was not able to verify a circumstance that necessitated a change of guardianship and would allow for immediate varsity eligibility for the student-athlete.

The IHSA understands and respects that parents and guardians must make difficult decisions that are best for their children. We are happy that the student-athlete found a better educational fit, but in this instance, the IHSA Executive Director found that there were no extenuating circumstances that met the threshold to grant eligibility within the IHSA by-laws, nor did the IHSA Board of Directors upon appeal.

Montini Catholic did their due diligence in alerting the family ahead of the transfer that ineligibility was likely. While IHSA ineligibility does not allow for participation in varsity contests, it does allow athletes to practice and remain a part of their team in order to help support their educational experience.”

In her Facebook post, Hepp Konder wrote that Harrison started wrestling when he was 5 years old and that it "boosted his self-confidence and made him feel included with the other hearing children."

While attending Downers North, Konder earned fourth- and fifth-place medals for the 2021-22 and the 2022–23 seasons respectively, according to IHSA records.

Hepp Konder's post indicates that Harrison's grades began to decline during his junior year, which prompted the family to seek "alternative solutions." Following the transfer, she wrote, Harrison has gotten straight A's in nearly all his classes.

Hepp Konder concluded her post,

"Every family and child should have the right to choose the best education and academic environment for their child. We followed the IHSA by-laws. Why do you, Downers Grove North AD and Principal, as well as the IHSA, feel that you know what is best for our child academically? Do the right thing, AD Kavanaugh and Principal DeMent. Support your academic counselor and overturn this ruling. Do what is best for Harrison, considering all the challenges he has overcome in his 17 years. We will appeal this decision, as it is discrimination against a child with a disability."

Hepp Konder did not immediately respond to Patch's interview request Tuesday morning.