Campbell appeal denied

Advertiser Staff

Campbell head coach Tumoana Kenessey's appeal of his one-game suspension by the Hawai'i High School Athletic Association football committee was denied yesterday, meaning he is ineligible for Friday's Division II state championship game against Iolani.

The suspension results from two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties charged to Kenessey in last Friday's 29-20 semifinal victory over Kaua'i.

By National Federation rule, two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties against the same player or coach results in an automatic ejection, and by HHSAA rule, an ejection makes him ineligible for the following game.

Kenessey was assessed an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the third quarter when one of his players was found to have a knot tied in his jersey. Under Federation rules, such a knot is an equipment violation, and since all coaches must certify before the game that their players' equipment and uniforms are legal, an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty is charged to the head coach. Kenessey then was assessed another unsportsmanlike conduct penalty during discussion about the first call.

The HHSAA committee is a five-member panel with one representative from each of the state's five leagues.

Kenessey's suspension prohibits him from being on the sidelines, in the coaches' booth and locker room, and he also will not be allowed to communicate with his assistants and players during the game.

Assistant Mark Andrus will serve as Campbell's head coach during the game.