The fallout continues for the Oxbridge Academy athletic department.
With running back Travis Homer leading the way, Oxbridge Academy went 9-3 last season and won the district title. All of those wins have been forfeited. (Post file photo)
The Thunderwolves, whose administration has undergone a major restructuring over the past four months since the Palm Beach Post published its findings from an investigation of the the West Palm Beach private school, have forfeited all athletic wins from the past two school years. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel first reported the forfeits, which were for “inconsistent application of administrative procedures with regard to student financial aid”, on Monday.
The action was taken after the school self-reported “impermissible” activities to the Florida High School Athletic Association.
The FHSAA has ruled that Oxbridge currently is in complete compliance and can continue its athletic program.
Former ThunderWolves’ defensive end Victor Alvarez told the Post on Monday he was surprised and upset after hearing news of the forfeitures.
“I think that everything we did was well-earned,” he said. “Due to the fact that a lot of students may or may not have had the money to be there, football and Oxbridge’s academic rigor was their way out.
“I would have to read more about it to see what exactly happened, but having a football team that was made from scratch be stripped of its wins due to something this minor is a bit foolish and upsetting to most.”
The ThunderWolves’ athletic program was thrown into turmoil in May after head football coach Doug Socha and athletic director Craig Sponsky were let go.
CEO Robert Parsons also stepped down following a Post investigation that prompted Palm Beach billionaire Bill Koch, Oxbridge’s founder, to order his own investigation of the school, which opened in 2011.
In April, Parsons, Sponsky and bookstore manager Ulle Boshko were put on paid leave amid a Post investigation into allegations of a toxic employment environment including sexual harassment, high turnover and over-emphasis on football at the expense of academics.
Koch then ordered investigations by a team that included an ex-FBI agent, a forensic accountant and a lawyer.
Last month Sponsky sued Oxbridge, alleging he was scapegoated amid negative publicity surrounding the investigation.
Pat Hollern was named the school’s new athletic director June 1, while former ThunderWolves’ assistant football coach Brendan Kent was promoted to head coach.
Oxbridge Academy’s football team won the District 7-3A championship last season in its first year of FHSAA football competition.
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