Athletic Programs at Laguna Beach High School

We regret that a few individuals have been given major coverage in painting a bleak picture of athletics in Laguna Beach (May 18).

The assumptions being made by a few misdirected coaches that our athletic program is in shambles due to lack of support by administration and school board and outside parental influence from booster clubs are untrue, unfair and unsubstantiated. A quality athletic program continues to be an integral part of the education of our students in Laguna Beach.

Three factors clearly indicate that top priority is being given to the re-establishment of a quality athletic program at Laguna Beach High School:

- The establishment of the athletic task force this past fall, composed of coaches, administration, school board, community members, parents and booster club representatives, for the express purpose of addressing the pre-existing problems within the athletic department.

- The emphasis, by the school board, in its 1985-86 board goals, to improve the athletic program.

- The allocation of $130,000, not $19,000 as reported by The Times, to the athletic program for 1985-86. In light of the financial constraints placed on this district, this hardly represents a school board that cares “nothing” about its athletic program.

Public education today, in order to survive, needs committed, active community and parental support, both academically and athletically. To berate and question the motives of involvement, and imply that there are “strings attached” to contributions, indicates to us that those questioning are unwilling and have no interest in improving or rebuilding that which they have chosed to criticize and undermine.

Laguna Beach High School is experiencing problems that are being addressed. It is essential to understand that the athletic department needed restructuring and that the recommendations set forth by the task force and adopted by the school board should have been in place and occurring prior to the formation of the task force.

We wish to emphasize and commend the positive spirit that exists among the majority in our school: those who are taking responsibility for redirecting and improving the athletic department and its programs.

What is needed is to reinstate into our athletic program a positive, quality approach to coaching in an organized, accountable manner. If parents are to be criticized for that demand, we welcome criticism.

One only had to look at the caliber of our volleyball, tennis and aquatic programs to know that models are in place for quality athletics. We are confident that all other programs will develop a winning spirit, based on quality coaching, positive input, respect, structure, organization and accountability.

There is more to winning than a favorable score.

JAN VICKERS, President

CHARLENE RAGATZ, Member

Laguna Beach Unified School District

Board of Education