INDIANAPOLIS — The Marian University football program was two wins away from playing for an NAIA national championship, planning to make a trip to Florida for quarterfinal game Saturday against Keiser University.
Instead, the season is over for the Knights due to the use of an academically ineligible player.
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“We sincerely apologize to Keiser University, the NAIA, our student-athletes, and the Marian community that we cannot continue our season,” said Steve Downing, Marian’s athletic director, in a statement. “This is a disappointing outcome for everyone involved. We regret the disruption it causes and are taking immediate steps to address the root causes.”
Steve Downing, Marian University director of athletics, introduces new men’s basketball head coach Pat Knight during a press conference, Friday, May 10, 2024, in the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital Hall of Champions at Marian University in Indianapolis.
Marian was forced out of the NAIA national tournament due to the use of an ineligible player. Marian is forced to vacate up to three previous wins.
“As is often the case with inadvertent eligibility issues, multiple factors contributed to this situation,” Downing added. “We have identified gaps in our processes, are implementing strengthened academic and eligibility checks, and will complete a formal internal review. Our coaches acted in good faith and were not previously aware of the eligibility violation.”
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Marian, seeded sixth in the national tournament, defeated No. 10 seed Dordt 26-18 on Saturday at home in the second round as Mt. Vernon grad Keagan La Belle ran for 138 yards and one touchdown on 27 carries. La Belle leads the team with 1,296 yards rushing and 22 rushing TDs.
Call Star reporter Kyle Neddenriep at (317) 444-6649.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Marion football out of NAIA playoffs due to ineligible player, statement
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