Though its lobbyist called it "unfortunate," officials with the Minnesota State High School League on Thursday generally welcomed a legislative audit of their organization, which oversees athletics at more than 500 member schools.
The audit, requested by state Rep. Bob Dettmer, is expected to focus on student eligibility, a topic that draws considerable public attention.
"If there is a question about some of the rules and somebody wants to look at it, that's fine," said Dave Stead, league executive director, at Thursday's board of directors meeting. "We have always been open about everything."
Dettmer, a former longtime wrestling coach at Forest Lake High School, requested the audit earlier this year after being made aware that the league had not been audited since 1998. The Office of the Legislative Auditor approved the request on March 23.
Attorneys Roger Aronson, the league's lobbyist, and Patrick Kelly, the league's legal counsel, gave feedback to the league board at its regular meeting in Brooklyn Center.
"This was unfortunate," Aronson said. "It's like when the doctor says, 'Come in for your full physical.' "
He added an audit is "not a negative thing at all. We've always had an open stance. We'll do it and we'll do very well."
Kelly said: "I welcome reviews, as long as there is not a political agenda. It makes us better."
