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After an investigation into self-reported rules violations, the NCAA has vacated all wins by the Mary Hardin-Baylor (Belton, Texas) football program from the 2016 and 2017 seasons.
This includes the program’s 2016 Division III national championship.
Shehan Jeyarajah of TexasFootball.com shared the news on Twitter:
BREAKING: The NCAA has vacated Mary Hardin-Baylor's 2016 national football title for rules violations.https://t.co/VI4qQzzTBC
— Shehan Jeyarajah (@ShehanJeyarajah) October 10, 2019
The investigation was a result of head coach Pete Fredenburg loaning his vehicle to student-athletes on three occasions during the 2016-17 seasons.
“I spent my entire career as a football coach investing in kids,” Fredenburg said in a statement through the university.
“In this instance, I unintentionally broke NCAA rules. I regret this and accept responsibility.”
Originally self-imposing a two-year probation period, enhanced compliance training and a $2,500 fine, the university will appeal the NCAA’s additional punishments.
Fredenburg previously served a three-game suspension for the violations during the 2018 season.
Off to a 4-0 start in 2019, the Crusaders beat McMurry University (Abilene, Texas), 79-0, on October 5. In the shadow of these sanctions, the team will host East Texas Baptist on Saturday at 3:00PM ET.
A graduate of Bowling Green State University, Rydquist has been contributing to Saturday Down South and Saturday Tradition since 2019. He can be found on Twitter @TeddyRydquist.