Fork Union Military Academy and Oak Hill Academy are no longer the subjects of an NCAA investigation into so called “storefront schools” that give athletes the mantle of college eligibility while offering little in the way of education.
Leaders at both Virginia Baptist-affiliated schools had expressed shock and anger at being included in a list of 22 prep schools that the NCAA claims have a coach and athletic teams but often lack classrooms and textbooks.
Following visits to both campuses last week, the NCAA removed Fork Union and Oak Hill from the list.
“Fork Union is not in that category, we've been around for 109 years,” said the school's president, Lt. General John Jackson when the NCAA announced its investigation July 5. “Our record of academic achievement stands on its own and to question the rigor, without even visiting the campus or, at the very least, telling the academy what concern it may have underscores the lack of sensitivity and professionalism one normally comes to expect from the NCAA.” Oak Hill president Michael Groves also expressed outrage following the announcement. “Given our 127-year record of academic integrity, we are shocked and disappointed to be included on such a list. … We have always worked closely with the NCAA Clearinghouse and no aspect of our academic program has ever been called into question.”
Both Jackson and Groves said no NCAA representative visited their campuses before it issued the list.
NCAA representatives eventually met with officials at the two schools last week and subsequently both were removed from the list.
“It's been a grueling process,” Groves told the Washington Post. “The Lord has seen us through. This has dominated our thoughts for the past three weeks.”
“We've committed ourselves to a thorough and complete review of the high schools and we're continuing on in that process,” said Kevin Lennon, NCAA vice president of membership services.
Jackson said his staff answered questions about testing for learning disabilities and about the school's unusual academic calendar, which breaks the school year into five seven-week sessions in which only one subject is studied at a time.
“We're pleased we've been affirmed by the NCAA,” Jackson said. “They brought concerns and we dealt with them forthrightly and candidly. I'm happy with the outcome.”
Groves said the NCAA representatives asked questions about the academic improvement of transfers to the school.
“I always knew that if the NCAA visited our campus any questions concerning Oak Hill Academy's academic program would be quickly resolved,” said Groves. “Although it is disappointing to have our honor ever called into question by anyone, I am pleased that Oak Hill's legacy of academic integrity has been affirmed by the NCAA.
“We look forward to continuing our work with the NCAA as we assist our student athletes in their transition to life on a college campus and in a college classroom.”
Both Fork Union and Oak Hill have developed nationally-recognized athletic programs. Fork Union has produced two Heisman Trophy winners, at least six National Basketball Association players and more than 70 players in the National Football League.
Oak Hill's program has produced more than 125 Division 1 college basketball players, 20 high school All Americans and 18 alumni drafted by the NBA. In 2004, USA Today named basketball head coach Steve Smith national high school coach of the year for the third time — more than any other coach.