Misgivings about Oaks Christian, St. Bonny run deep

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More than 50 schools showed up in Santa Barbara today to make a decision on sports leagues for the 2010 season in the Northern Area of the Southern Section, and it was clear a private-versus-public schools distrust is stronger than ever.

For the members to approve a new football league made up of St. Bonaventure, Oaks Christian, Santa Clara and Grace Brethren tells me the large public schools want nothing to do with football powers O.C. and St. Bonny, and their decision will force the Southern Section to get involved because there’s no way that league is going to be accepted.

The Marmonte League is adamant about not wanting Oaks Christian, but that’s the league best suited to take the Lions. Calabasas would be a simple choice to switch places with Oaks Christian, but the majority of schools in attendance Tuesday refused to pull the trigger.

Now the decision will be appealed and, if that is upheld, sent back for another vote.

‘I really think they’re hoping the CIF cleans up the mess,’ Oak Park Co-Athletic Director Dick Billingsley said. ‘It’s drop back 13 yards and punt.’

The Marmonte League president, Moorpark Principal Kirk Miyashiro, refused to comment afterward, which tells me all I need to know. The league wants nothing to do with private schools, pleading competitive inequity.

Meanwhile, outmanned Santa Clara and Grace Brethren were made the sacrificial lambs. Sorry, folks, it won’t hold up.

-- Eric Sondheimer