BREAKING: Oktibbeha County’s Accreditation Officially Pulled by State Department, Limited Sports Participation Expected

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) — Sports at Oktibbeha County Schools have taken a major hit after the Mississippi State Education Department announced the school’s accreditation has been revoked.

West Oktibbeha’s Von Smith and the Timberwolves football team has had their playoff possibilities put in question this week due to the State Department.

About one month ago, the State announced the take over of Oktibbeha County schools after both East and West Oktibbeha high schools reported failing grades from its students.

It wasn’t officially made aware until Tuesday that the State was removing full athletics participation for students, effective immediately.

Full athletics participation includes sporting events against other schools outside of district play. That also includes playoff eligibility.

According to head football coach Adam Lowrey at West Oktibbeha, the basketball team would play just five games if the decision holds for the 2012-2013 season.  Those five games would be against only district opponents.

The decision by the State Department towards the end of the football season has put the West Oktibbeha football team’s playoff run in question.

The Timberwolves are currently (8-2) on the season, the most wins ever recorded in West Oktibbeha football history. The team has a major district match-up this Friday at Pelahatchie, which will determine whether the T’Wolves will host the school’s first ever playoff game.

According to Lowrey, the school is determining an appeal against the sudden accreditation decision and will meet Tuesday at 6pm to mull over the options.

This decision would also negatively affect East Oktibbeha and the Titans’ athletics program, including their track and field team which competes for multiple state titles every year.

More information will be made available as it is known here at WCBI. Stay tuned.