Milan Schools clarifies Regional track situation

(MILAN, Ind.) – Milan Schools is providing clarity after two boy’s track athletes qualified for the Regionals but did not get to participate. 

A claim was made earlier this week that the school failed to inform two student-athletes that they qualified to advance in the IHSAA Boys Track & Field tournament. 

It led the school to launch an review of the situation where it now appears that Milan High School was also not initially aware of the Regional qualifiers.

The two students became eligible for the Regionals due to a “call back” where competitors from other schools withdrew from their respective events.

“However, neither the athletes nor Milan High School personnel were aware of the invitation, resulting in the athletes missing the opportunity to compete at the regional level,” Milan High School stated. 

The review included interviews with coaches, the athletic director, the IHSAA and MileSplit, which oversees track rankings at IHSAA events.

"No evidence was found indicating that such a notification was received by any Milan High School employee. Furthermore, the IHSAA was unable to verify that a notification email had been successfully sent to a Milan representative,” the school stated. 

School officials also sought clarification regarding how the athletes appeared on the official regional heat sheets despite no participation confirmation being submitted on their behalf. 

“At this time, neither the IHSAA nor MileSplit has been able to provide an explanation,” they added. 

The school has spoke with the athletes and their families and will recognize both with a Regional Qualifier patch from the Milan Athletic Department.

“While we may never know exactly where the communication breakdown occurred, the outcome is disappointing. Two deserving Milan student-athletes were denied the opportunity to compete at the regional level in events for which they had earned qualification,” Milan School said.