Vikings to forfeit at least four games
The Woodbridge boys basketball team will forfeit at least four of its wins and the regular-season Cardinal District championship for using an ineligible player earlier this season, according to Viking Activities Director Greg Margheim.
Margheim, who recently met with representatives from the other Cardinal District schools, said he was not sure of the exact number of games the Vikings would forfeit, but thought it was between four and six.
Another source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that the ineligible player appeared in at least six games involving area opponents, four of which Woodbridge won. There may also be three or more December games against out-of-county teams in which the player appeared in.
The player, a reserve who transferred to Woodbridge, was removed from the team before the district tournament began. Margheim confirmed that the player’s ineligibility “had to do with residency.”
Margheim, who could not say how or when Woodbridge found out about the player’s ineligibility, said that the school notified the Virginia High School League immediately after finding out about the problem.
“Our stipulation is that the team forfeit any wins that the player was involved in,” said VHSL Assistant Director Thomas Zimorski. “If the student is not living where he or she says they live, or if there is not a corresponding parent move, then that would be a violation of the residency rule.”
One of the games Woodbridge will forfeit is a regular-season win over Hylton. Not factoring in the forfeiture, the Vikings and Bulldogs each finished with 4-2 district records. Woodbridge defeated Hylton 50-42 in a Feb. 21 one-game playoff for the regular-season championship and accompanying berth in the regional tournament.
Margheim said there is no trophy or banner awarded for winning the regular season, but that the Vikings in effect would forfeit that championship.
Gar-Field defeated Woodbridge 49-43 on Feb. 25 for the district tournament championship, earning the district’s other regional tournament berth.
Woodbridge head coach Will Robinson has taken the Vikings to the regional tournament for 13 consecutive seasons, a streak which will not be affected by the forfeited games.
“He didn’t play in any tournament games, so it won’t affect either tournament,” Margheim said. “That was our fear.”
Zamorski said that Woodbridge has filed the written report required when a situation like this arises. The VHSL acknowledges receipt of the report, notifies the schools affected and assesses a fine to the violating school, in this case $100.
The Vikings, eliminated from the Northwest Region tournament by Potomac on Wednesday, finished this season 17-10.
Robinson declined comment on Thursday. Attempts to reach Woodbridge principal Dr. Karen Spillman on Friday were not successful.
Lacy Lusk contributed to this report.