The University Interscholastic League State Executive Committee ruled Thursday that Argyle junior quarterback Hayes Hackney is eligible to play. He had appealed an Oct. 22 ruling by the District Executive Committee that he did not have a bona fide residence within Argyle ISD's attendance zone.
The state committee said Hackney lives within the district's attendance boundaries. Committee members questioned the district committee's May decision, when it voted 4-2 that Hackney did not transfer for athletic purposes. Chairman Mike Motheral said, "Residency issues are correctable," and said the district committee's error was in May. That earlier ruling relied on a past athletic participation form signed by Prosper Walnut Grove High School, which Hackney left.
At the hearing, Walnut Grove football coach Tommy Allison said the school did not believe the move was for athletic purposes and accepted the family's reason. Hackney's father, Mark Hackney, said the family moved to be about 30 minutes closer to relatives dealing with health issues and to his work in Fort Worth. Hackney missed one game. Argyle, now 8-1, will have him back as it finishes the regular season.