“Temporarily Reinstated: Suburban High School Wrestler Allowed to Compete Amid Legal Battle”
A student-athlete from Marian Central Catholic High School Wrestler, Jimmy Mastny, who faced disqualification from competing throughout his high school career, has secured temporary reinstatement after taking legal action. McHenry County Circuit Court Judge David Gervais granted Mastny and his wrestling coach, Jordan Blanton, a Temporary Restraining Order on Thursday.
Mastny, who had never participated in a high school wrestling match, was disqualified by the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) last month for allegedly violating recruiting rules. Blanton, the wrestling coach, was also declared ineligible to coach for the 2023-24 season.
High School Wrestler
However, the recent court decision temporarily overturned these rulings, allowing Mastny to resume competing and Blanton to coach until their next court date.
Mastny, from Oregon, Illinois, moved in with a family friend near the high school over the summer, with his mom transferring guardianship to the friend. The IHSA ruled a violation of the recruiting by-law, prompting the disqualification.
Coach Blanton, confident in their case, joined Mastny in filing an injunction against the IHSA, leading to the Temporary Restraining Order. The IHSA has expressed respect for the court’s decision and stated its commitment to upholding the by-laws, with ongoing litigation preventing further comments at this time.
