The Ohio High School Athletic Association has dispatched investigators to the area to determine the legitimacy of an "unusually high number" of transfer students on Whitmer's football team.

The investigation centers on individuals who joined the program since the end of the 2010 football season -- a number believed to be six or seven -- Tim Stried, a spokesman for the association, said.

Mr. Stried said the association does not employ full-time investigators and has commissioned outside sources to look into the matter.

"We don't do that very often, but we are in this case, due to the potential severity of it," he said.

The investigation began within the past week or so, Mr. Stried said, but staff members of the athletic association have been discussing and preparing for it within "the neighborhood of a couple of months."

If Whitmer is found guilty, penalties could include suspension, forfeiture of games, forfeiture of championship rights, probation, public censure, denial of participation, or fines not to exceed $2,500 per occurrence, or such other penalties the association commissioner deems appropriate.

Neither Tom Snook, Whitmer athletic director, nor Joe Palka, the head coach, returned phone messages seeking comment Tuesday night.

Senior LeRoy Alexander, the highest-profile transfer to Whitmer, was initially ruled ineligible by the association but obtained a temporary injunction from Common Pleas Judge Frederick McDonald Aug. 26 allowing him to participate in Whitmer's season-opening game that evening.

A trial to determine his permanent eligibility has been set for Nov. 16.

Whitmer is off to a 2-0 start, outscoring its opponents 83-6. The Panthers, who made it to the Division I state final four last year, will conclude the nonconference portion of their schedule Friday at home against Brantford Collegiate Institute of Ontario, Canada.

At this point, the association's investigation is isolated to the football team.

The state board recently eliminated a statute of limitations from its bylaws, meaning its investigation is not limited in scope to just this season.

Of the 96 players on Whitmer's preseason roster, 47 are from the Washington Local junior league.

The remaining 49 either transferred into the district, played in a league sanctioned by the Catholic Youth Organization, or grew up in the district but did not play football.

Palka told The Blade last month that he requires transfer students to adhere to state athletic association guidelines and establish residency in the district before enrolling at the school.

Contact Ryan Autullo at: rautullo@theblade.com or 419-724-6160.

First Published September 7, 2011, 5:26 a.m.