MCHENRY COUNTY (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - A judge has temporarily allowed a highly-ranked freshman wrestler and his coach to return to their team at a northwest suburban high school, as the judge considers whether the coach violated recruiting rules.
The wrestler, Jimmy Mastny, moved in with the mother of Marian Central Catholic High School wrestling coach Jordan Blanton, because under Illinois High School Association (IHSA) rules the student's family lived too far from the private school in Woodstock.
Jimmy's mother Renee Mastny said the coach's mother was an old friend.
“We’ve been friends for about six years,” said Renee. “She’s a great support system for me, and she continues to be a great support system. She wants what’s best for Jimmy, just like we want what’s best for Jimmy.”
The Illinois High School Association says student athletes who attend private high schools must live no more than 30 miles away. Mastny's family lives about 60 miles from Marian Central.
The IHSA ruled the living arrangements violated recruiting rules, and it suspended Blanton for the season.
Jimmy's mother, Renee Mastny, denies anyone was trying to skirt recruiting rules, and claims her son wants to stay at Marian Central even though the IHSA banned him from wrestling there.
“That’s what Jimmy was willing to do. He was willing to give up his wrestling to stay at Marian Central,” Renee said.
A McHenry County judge has temporarily blocked the IH-A's rulings to allow more time to review them.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Jan. 5.