Results of Three-Month Investigation Unknown : Ocean View High’s Harris Makes Appeals, but His Status Is Still Unchanged

It has been nearly a month since Ocean View High School basketball Coach Jim Harris was relieved of his duties by school principal John Myers, but the results of a three-month investigation by the Huntington Beach Union High School District officials are still unknown and Harris’ status is unchanged.

Harris has made appeals to the Sunset League’s athletic counsel, chaired by Huntington Beach Principal Ann Chlebicki, and to the Southern Section office. Harris is also contemplating legal action.

The popular coach has remained employed as a physical education teacher at Ocean View but was relieved of his coaching job and the school was forced to forfeit all of its victories after Lynwood transfers Ricky Butler and Desi Hazely were found ineligible in the district report because of “undue influence” by Harris “to retain them at the school.”

Although Harris made the appeals, the process has been slow in resolving the controversy. The school board will meet again tonight, but District Athletic Director Bill Boswell said he doesn’t expect “any fireworks” at the meeting.

“I need a time line so I can get on with my life,” Harris said. “I don’t know whether I should be fighting or crying. I don’t know where I stand. The district and the CIF are playing Ping-Pong with this.

“The CIF won’t rule until all local appeals have been exhausted. We’ve made an appeal to the league’s athletic counsel concerning the forfeits. We’ve also made one to (Southern Section Commissioner) Ray Plutko’s office but they won’t act until after the league makes a decision. Hopefully, something will open up in two weeks.”

Harris denied that he had formally applied for the varsity position at Trabuco Hills, a new school in Mission Viejo that opens in the fall. But two major college coaches have recommended him for jobs.

UC Irvine Coach Bill Mulligan said he called Trabuco Hills Principal Dr. Bill Brand and told him Harris would be a good candidate for the Mustangs’ coaching position.

“I wanted to do something for Jim,” Mulligan confirmed. “I hate to see anyone get fired from coaching. I called Dr. Brand and he said he would be glad to talk to Jim.”

University of Nevada Las Vegas Coach Jerry Tarkanian telephoned newly appointed California Coach Lou Campanelli last week and recommended Harris for an assistant position in Berkeley.

“I was flattered they both offered to help,” Harris said. “But I feel I owe it to those who have supported me at Ocean View to see this through.”