PARKER — Andrew Loudenback, a quarterback heading into his senior season at Class 5A Chaparral, has been ruled ineligble for the Wolverines’ first five games of the regular season in violation of the state’s transfer rule.
The ruling stems from Loudenback’s junior season, when he transferred from Ponderosa following the 2008 season.
According to Colorado High School Activities Association assistant commissioner Bert Borgmann, Loudenback’s status was reported by Chaparral after the 2009 season. Originally considered eligible through the Wolverines’ office, Loudenback’s family was unable to sell its house, thereby negating a legitimate transfer. All transfers must change domicile to be eligible to change schools and retain varsity eligibility, according to CHSAA’s bylaws.
Loudenback was the team’s starter throughout 2009 and it was ruled he should have sat out his team’s first five varsity games.
“The young man should have been held out of the first five varsity games, but will instead sit in 2010, matching the same consequence any transfer should have done after a non-bona-fide move,” Borgmann said. “That’s where it stands.”
Chaparral’s backup quarterback is Christian Gann, who also plays wide receiver. Gann would likely start in Loudenback’s absence.
Wolverines coach John Vogt indicated the family plans to challenge the ruling and perhaps also apply for a hardship waiver.
“Andrew’s a great kid, a talent, and a kid whose grades have been the highest he’s had in high school, and the family thought it was doing things the right way,” Vogt said.
The Wolverines, who return 19 starters and will be prominent in The Denver Post/9News 5A preseason poll to be released later this month, open on Sept. 3 at Burt.com Stadium against two-time defending state champion Mullen, winner of 19 games in succession.
Neil H. Devlin: 303-954-1714 or ndevlin@denverpost.com
