FROM STAFF REPORTS

ALABASTER –   Thompson High School has been fined and placed on restrictive probation for the remainder of the 2015-16 school year by the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) for numerous violations of Contest bylaws in its wrestling program. The violations were self-reported.

Restrictive probation limits the school’s wrestling participation to regular-season dual matches only and prohibits the school from participating in any interscholastic contest involving more than two schools, including championships, for the entirety of the restrictive probation.

Head wrestling coach Shawn Weltzin and assistant coach Chris Pike have been suspended for the duration of the restrictive probation period by the AHSAA and Thompson High School.

On Jan. 4, 2016, Thompson High School may apply for relief from the restrictive period.

“Restrictive probation indicates the seriousness of these violations,” AHSAA Executive Director Steve Savarese said. “Though disappointed, I feel confident the school administration will take the necessary corrective measures to be compliant with AHSAA by-laws.  We will evaluate these measures. If the school has demonstrated that corrective measures are securely in place, we will consider removing the restrictive probation, thus allowing the student-athletes to participate in championship play this season.”