Football: St. Bonaventure, Oaks Christian to Serra League?

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Here’s a bombshell that’s gaining some traction: St. Bonaventure and Oaks Christian are exploring the possibility of joining the Division I Serra League.

‘If they want us and we want in, it could happen,’ St. Bonaventure Athletic Director Mike Gianelli said.

St. Bonaventure definitely is willing to move to the Serra League for football. ‘We’re trying to be part of the solution,’ Gianelli said. ‘It will take a lot of the stars to be aligned.’

Whether Oaks Christian will agree remains to be seen, though Coach Bill Redell said Friday, ‘We would have no problem with it.’

St. Bonaventure Principal Marc Groff has already approached representatives from the Catholic Athletic Assn. But Tom Moran of the CAA said Oaks Christian has not made any approach.

The Northern Area must release St. Bonaventure and Oaks Christian, and the CAA must agree to take in both schools.

The Southern Section would give its approval as long as both associations agree. And that seems likely.

‘It sounds like both are interested,’ said Thom Simmons, the Southern Section spokesman.

Discussions are heating up because the releaguing process is entering a critical stage. On Feb. 10, the Northern Area is meeting in Santa Barbara to go over proposals. The CAA is also in the process of making proposals that would take effect in 2010-11.

I still find it hard to believe that Oaks Christian would be willing to join a league that includes Loyola, Notre Dame, Crespi and Bishop Amat. That’s a big jump, and the Lions will be losing many of their top players after next season, and who knows how long Redell is going to stick around as coach.

But I think the Channel League would be thrilled to let St. Bonaventure leave. That seems more plausible.

-- Eric Sondheimer