Former Gaffney High student-athlete Nick Melton has been ruled ineligible by the South Carolina High School League for the 2005-06 school year for transferring to Dorman High with athletic intent.

He’ll try to regain his eligibility at a 10 a.m. hearing today at the Spartanburg County Courthouse.

A judge last week granted a temporary restraining order against the SCHSL. Temporary restraining orders are typically issued pending a hearing for an injunction.

If an injunction is granted, it would clear the way for Melton to play against Gaffney in the season opener on Friday.

Cherokee County Superintendent Dr. Bill James said the school district has no plans to testify against Melton at today’s hearing.

“Our intent is not to voice any opposition in the matter,” James said. “We also didn’t voice any opposition at the executive committee hearing.

“Personally, and from the standpoint of the school district, we wish Nick well. He’s a great individual and a good athlete. (Gaffney football coach and director of athletics) Phil (Strickland) was only applying the High School League rule. It wasn’t about any one player.”

The SCHSL ruled Melton ineligible because Gaffney High officials claimed the transfer was solely for athletic reasons. The SCHSL passed a rule last year to deny transfer requests if the school proved in writing the move was for athletic reasons.

In late July, the SCHSL Executive Committee upheld the league’s two earlier decisions to deny Melton’s athletic eligibility this year.

The Melton family has contended the transfer was for academic reasons.

Melton, a senior, played quarterback and wide receiver for the Indians last season. He was also a starting guard on the school’s three Class 4A championship basketball teams.

The Gaffney High head coach had no comment on the matter.

Attempts to reach the Melton family were unsuccessful.

Rep. Phil Sinclair (R-Woodruff) will represent the Meltons at today’s hearing. Members of the SCHSL Executive Committee also have been asked to attend.

Melton has continued to practice with the Cavaliers as the quarterback for the scout team. He didn’t play in Friday’s jamboree at Irmo.