Do they go, or do they stay? Looks like go!
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On Wednesday, 31 August 2016, a group of eight area schools dropped a bombshell into the local sports scene. The group sent a letter to CIF Central Section Commissioner Jim Critchlow requesting admission into the organisation. All are currently members of the Northern Area, CIF Southern Section.
The 8 schools, apparently led by Pioneer Valley AD Greg Lanthier, include all of the current Pac-8 League members, except for Atascadero, who is said to be wavering. Santa Maria HS of the LPL is also part of the group since the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District seemingly wants to all of its schools together.
Los Padres League President & Santa Ynez VUHS Athletic Director Ken Fredrickson is quoted in media reports as saying that he has "no interest" in moving, and both the ADs at local schools, Don Cross (Lompoc) and Dan Troup (Cabrillo) have indicated similar feelings.
The letter (in part):
Comments from CIF-SS
"As a self-governing organization we rely on our schools to make the best decision for their students and their school communities. If after considering all options these member schools decide that a move to the CIF Central Section best meet the interest of their individual schools, we will most certainly respect and support their decision."
--Incoming CIF-SS Incoming Council President Monica Colunga, Ed.D.
(Principal, Irvine High School)
"We ask each school to examine the needs of their students, both academically and athletically, and if after careful consideration, they determine those can be better met in another section, we not only do not oppose it, but actually encourage it."
-- CIF-SS Director of Communications Thomm Simmons
"I have not received any notice, as yet, if they have responded to their Area Placement. I spoke with Rob Wigod last week, and he was not certain of the intentions of the 8 schools. I also spoke with Santa Ynez Head Football Coach at the Football Advisory Comm. Tuesday, and he thought there was just talk, and not much discussion about actually leaving the CIF-SS. Once I get more feedback, I will plan to meet with the League Coordinators for updated discussion. I can state that the CIF-SS would much prefer that these schools remain with us. I realize the Re-Leaguing process is beginning, but the Area Placement requests are not due until Friday, October, 7. We are basically in a waiting mode, until the October, 7 deadline. I will continue to attempt contact with as many Athletic Directors in your area for their input."
-- Dick Billingsley Northern Area Rep. (Athletic Director, Oak Park HS)
We Thank Ms Colunga and Mssrs Billingsley and Simmons for their responses to our inquiries
If we hear from anyone else, we'll let you know.
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