GHSA clears Westover of allegations

ALBANY — The Georgia High School Association has closed its investigation into the Westover High School basketball program and school principal William Chunn and cleared them of all GHSA violations, The Albany Herald has learned.

The school was being investigated over several allegations about the boys basketball team in a letter obtained by The Herald in January. The allegations included:

— A pair of Westover players did not have the grades to be eligible to play basketball for the 2014-15 season.

— The school principal had grades changed to make students eligible to play.

— A student on the team lived out of the Westover attendance zone and used an address of his father who lived outside of Albany.

— Two or three players on the Westover basketball team lived in the Monroe and Albany High attendance zone.

— There were players on the Westover basketball team who falsely used the Medical Enrollment program to gain admittance and attendance to the school.

“At this time, we have closed our investigation,” GHSA Executive Director Gary Phillips said. “We could not confirm any of the allegations.”

The GHSA ruled that Chunn did not violate any GHSA policies.

The GHSA, the governing body of high school athletics in Georgia, asked for a report from Westover athletics director Harley Calhoun. The organization commended Calhoun for his efforts in responding to the allegations.

“I’m very happy that the GHSA has cleared us of any wrongdoing,” Calhoun said. “Now we can concentrate on finishing spring sports and see if we can win the region all-sports trophy.”

The boys basketball team finished its season at 19-10 before losing to West Laurens in the first round of the Class AAAA state basketball tournament.