CIF Says Ocean View Eligibility Issue in School District’s Hands

The CIF Southern Section Thursday declared Ocean View High School basketball players Ricky Butler and Desi Hazely eligible for the 1985-86 basketball season under CIF guidelines, but that those guidelines are not as stringent as those imposed by the Huntington Beach Union High School District.

In a written statement issued Thursday morning, the 18-member Southern Section Executive Committee said: “ . . . Following input and background material from the school administration and individuals charged with guardianship of the students, it was determined the students are eligible for the 1985-86 season under the continuing eligibility attendance rule of the CIF.

“However, it is further pointed out that the district has more stringent rules, and any question as to whether the students comply with district standards is to be referred to that level for determination.”

In short, the committee has left it up to the district to determine the eligibility of Hazely and Butler. Hazely is a starting outside linebacker on the Seahawks’ football team this fall.

Dave Hagen, personnel associate and the administrator who oversees athletics for the district, said he will meet with Ocean View Principal John Myers and District Superintendent Marie Otto to make a final decision.

“We’ll sit down together and make sure everybody’s looking at the rules exactly the same way,” Hagen said. “At that point in time, we’ll make a determination regarding the eligibility of the athletes.”