Evidence Set for Public Hearing : Charges of Recruiting Violations Against Mater Dei Presented

Evidence of alleged recruiting violations by Mater Dei High School will be presented in an open hearing at 8:30 a.m. today at the Sequoia Athletic Club in Buena Park.

Dennis Evans, Corona del Mar principal, has accused Mater Dei coaches of using undue influence in recruiting sophomore Danny O’Neil.

According to California Interscholastic Federation by-laws, the use of undue influence to secure or retain a student or parents or guardians as residents can result in the ineligibility of the student for a year. The school also can be penalized.

O’Neil, a quarterback who led Corona del Mar’s freshman and sophomore football teams to undefeated seasons the last two years, transferred to Mater Dei in December. He also played sub-varsity basketball and volleyball at Corona del Mar.

Among the key witnesses expected to give testimony for Mater Dei in the evidentiary hearing are football Coach Chuck Gallo, basketball Coach Gary McKnight and activities director John Merino. The hearing will be presided over by the Southern Section’s Executive Committee, headed by president Pat Mauch, principal at Los Altos High.