After an investigation begun by the Indiana High School Athletic Association early in the school year involving issues with the boys basketball program, as well as the position of head coach Drew Trost, who was assistant principal and director of admissions, the Bishop Noll administration thought it best to ask Trost to step down from his positions in administration, but remain head basketball coach.
“With regard to the reputation of Bishop Noll, the integrity of the school and its leaders are always under close watch of the public eye, and we did not want any doubt cast upon us or the school,” said Colleen McCoy-Cejka, principal. “Being in a position where the IHSAA has specifically found violations and made a ruling that points to errors on our end, we agreed that his stepping down would be part of a good solution to protect the integrity of the school. I always support my team members and look to the best interest of the school, even when it’s hard on me personally.”
Part of the investigation revolves around junior Lamous Brown transferring to Bishop Noll Institute from Harlan Community Academy High School in Chicago. Brown, a basketball standout at Harlan, transferred to Noll in August and, if academically eligible, was set to play basketball for Trost. However, according to Harlan officials, the official transfer paperwork was neither signed by, nor sent by them. This allegation proved false.
“There was an issue with paperwork we received from Harlan High School,” McCoy- Cejka said. “The whole paperwork process had to be re-done once we discovered the issues through an internal investigation. Beginning to end, the entire investigation and processing of correct paperwork took three months.”
But despite the paperwork being resubmitted, IHSAA ruled this a violation of 19-4, “transfer for primarily athletic reasons or the result of undue influence”. Brown must wait 365 days from enrolling before he may be eligible to play. Brown’s family had seven days to make an appeal to the IHSAA in an effort to get playing time this season, but the appeal time is now over.
While the loss of Trost as an administrator will be difficult for the others in Noll’s administration to adjust to fill the jobs required with those two positions, plans have already been made to help with the adjustment. Faculty and staff are now moving around to fill the voids in the administra- tion. Ms. Elizabeth Marino, a current English teacher, will become interim admissions director, while Mr. Kevin Bur- gun, a former English teacher at Brebeuf Jesuit in Indianapolis, will be taking over Marin’s classes for the second semester of the school year.
“The admissions position is one of ‘sales’, positive energy, and knowing and communi- cating the best attributes of the school…he/she must also have the energy to communicate in person, on the phone, and through e-mail effectively every day, all day,” McCoy-Cejka said. “The role of admissions in the spring is taxing, but Ms. Marino has demonstrated all of the best qualities to be able to handle it.”
And it seems that Marino is up for the challenge.
“My plan is to continue all the good work that is already go- ing on in admissions. Mrs. Tiscareno, Mr. Trost, Mr. Chico, Ms. Jagielski, and Mrs. O’Neill have made amazing strides in enrollment, so I plan to continue the momentum they’ve started. My biggest goal is to create a smooth transition for the permanent admissions director, whoever he or she may be.” Marino will be returning back to the classroom next year. Burgun, Marino’s replacement for the semester, originally gave up teaching to “focus on his writing and take time to refresh and renew.” However, he has exciting plans for his English classes and looks forward to getting back into the classroom.
“I get really excited about reading and writing and then talking about those things,” Burgun said. “I love writing. An essay a day keeps the doctor away! But an essay a day is pretty ridiculous, so not that.” McCoy-Cejka will begin searching for a new permanent director of admissions this summer.