LBJ football vacates wins from 2024 season after 'paperwork mistake,' letter says

AUSTIN (KXAN) - One of the most consistently successful football programs in the state is vacating all wins from last season. LBJ Early College High School will forfeit all eleven of its wins in 2024 after a "mistake in paperwork," according to a letter obtained by KXAN.

In the letter, LBJ Principal Randy Bryant and Athletic Director/football coach Joe Rauls laid out the program's decision to the community.

The letter said the school decided to "self-report the oversight" to LBJ's District Executive Committee (DEC). Each Texas high school football district has a DEC, which is a University Interscholastic League governing group comprised of school administrators in that district.

The DEC "reviewed and resolved" LBJ's report, leading to the forfeiture, the letter said.

"This was not due to any intentional wrongdoing, but rather a mistake in paperwork—a human error," the letter states.

In a statement, the UIL told KXAN it was aware of the DEC's ruling.

"Austin ISD previously self-reported the participation of ineligible players to the UIL, which prompted a DEC hearing to determine appropriate penalties. In accordance with the UIL Constitution and Contest Rules, the minimum penalty for this type of violation is forfeiture of any games in which the ineligible athletes participated," the statement reads.

LBJ won its first 11 games before falling to La Vernia in the second round of the playoffs last season.

"To our athletes, our coaches, our families, and our supporters: this moment does not define us. The character our students displayed throughout the season, the hard work they invested, and the love they showed for their school and community are what truly represent LBJ Early College High School," the letter said.

High school football teams who did not take part in spring training open fall conditioning August 4. LBJ opens its season August 30 at San Antonio Sam Houston.