Freshman Cole Hindia pounds the 1pavement at least seven miles a day. Running 2regulates his mind.
"I enjoy running, first of all, because you can do it anywhere, no matter where you are."
His passion began at the start line two years ago. His dad, Jiggar Hindia, says Cole is 3autistic and running helps.
"We want what's best for Cole and his passion is running."
Cole is a freshman 4cross-country runner here at O'Fallon Township High School. Well, he got word the other day that he can't 5participate this season thanks to a rule by the Illinois High School Association.
"Because of the 6K 6charity event he ran over the weekend that he may be 7ineligible."
That 6K was for Cardinal Glennon's Sun Run supporting 8pediatric health care. IHSA's handbook reads "During the time you are participating on a school team and in a sport at your high school, you may neither play on a non-school team nor compete in non-school competition as an individual in that same sport." It goes on to say "You will become ineligible if you participate."
"Honestly, I had no idea. Clearly we didn't think a charity event would be any 9grounds for any kind of punishment."
Now Cole is 10banned from participating in any cross-country activities at school. His parents are trying to 11shed more light on this rule.
"We don't really get what the reason is in this particular situation. Which is why we're hoping that with enough 12awareness we can maybe affect some change or 13modification to this rule."
While the family doesn't know if this will impact Cole's goal of running for a D1 college, he won't stop his morning miles.
"Obviously I'm gonna keep on running."
"We have learned to be more 14mindful of what activities our son is involved in."
His dad hopes this 15pushes other parents to 16thoroughly review high school sports rules and for the state to possibly 17reconsider them.
