Boys Soccer: Judge upholds disqualification of Prairie Seeds from state tourney

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Prairie Seeds Academy boys soccer team will not be allowed to compete in the Minnesota state Class A soccer tournament following a hearing in Hennepin County District Court on Friday.

The Minnesota State High School League disqualified the Brooklyn Park school for playing with an ineligible player and Judge Jay M. Quam denied a motion for a temporary restraining order that would have temporarily prevented the MSHSL's disqualification.

Prairie Seeds Academy also was involved in a brawl with Totino-Grace in last week's section final, which Prairie Seeds won 2-1 to advance to the state tournament. The MSHSL and police are continuing to investigate the incident, which was captured by Channel 12 Sports video.

Prairie Seeds Academy was disqualified for violating League bylaws which led to use of an ineligible player this season. League Bylaw 304--Ineligible Student states: "If an ineligible student is used in any interscholastic contest, whether deliberately or inadvertently, forfeiture of the game and honors for team sports ... shall be automatic and mandatory."

"It's unfortunate anytime students are not allowed to participate," stated League Executive Director Dave Stead following Judge Quam's ruling. "The decision upholds the integrity of the League's bylaws."