(6-13-23) South Carolina’s recent attempt to get a competitive balance plan in place did not pass by the state legislation. So now it is in the hands of local school administrators.

Fairfield Central and several other schools (Newberry and Mid-Carolina) are considering a forfeit in their scheduled 2023 football games against region opponent Gray Collegiate.

Elite Athletics (Gray Collegiate)

At GCA, we believe in building a culture of excellence both in the classroom and in athletics. Our school schedule allows our students the opportunity to develop their skills in their sport or activity while still pursuing classes at the collegiate level. 

According to The State article:

During 2022-23…13 of the 16 fall and winter team state championships in Class A and 2A were won by charter or private schools. Oceanside Collegiate won four more state titles in the spring.

Newberry athletic director Chad Cary told The State –

“Obviously, the Legislature isn’t going to look out for us, so we’ve got to put it in our own hands. We don’t know what we are going to do. We might play them. We might not.”

“Not playing them is the only way to send a message.”

During the spring Fairfield County School District Superintendent J.R. Green told The State –

“I attended softball (note: 18-1 loss to Gary Collegiate) and I witnessed Gray had an all-star team. We already know the competitive advantage they have. It was demoralizing, so I talked with our principal and softball coach. I told the principal I supported the decision not to play them. I would be fine with any coach making that decision.

“Some people forfeit because of run of the flu, suspensions, COVID. It is not that uncommon, and is a little uncommon because of the stand we are doing. We hope this calls others to think about it, our stand, and maybe they will come to the same conclusion.

Gray Collegiate football coach and athletic director Adam Holmes will address the South Carolina High School League’s (SCHSL) Executive Committee on August 11th in hopes of avoiding the forfeits that could take place.

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