Santa Clara’s Withdrawal From Tournament to Be Discussed

The impact of Santa Clara High School’s withdrawal on the South Coast Christmas basketball tournament will be discussed at a hearing Jan. 30.

The Southern Section’s Executive Committee--Principal Tom Jacobson of Corona del Mar, Superintendent Bruce Keuning of the Bellflower Christian Schools, Superintendent Robert Packer of the Duarte Unified School District and Principal Gary Smidderks of Los Angeles Baptist--will listen to testimony and make a recommendation.

Scheduled to appear at the hearing will be Lou Cvijanovich, Santa Clara basketball coach, Anne Metcalf, Santa Clara principal and Chuck and Art Perry, tournament directors.

Santa Clara, which had a written contract to participate in the 16-team tournament, failed to appear for a consolation-round game against Laguna Hills on Dec. 29.

Cvijanovich made the decision not to appear after a 39-38 loss to Edison the previous day. Cvijanovich blamed the loss on the officiating, which he felt favored Edison.

Santa Clara forfeited two games by failing to appear for the remainder of the tournament, a violation of Rule 151.3 of the Southern Section rule book (“When a school fails to engage in a contest agreed upon, without giving notice to the other school and securing an honorable release, it may be suspended from membership.”)

“The committee met last weekend and reviewed statements that were submitted in writing and felt a hearing was necessary before taking action,” said Dean Crowley, Southern Section associate commissioner.

“The committee will listen to testimony in a closed hearing and then make a recommendation following its meeting on Feb. 16. Also at issue is the financial impact Santa Clara’s withdrawal had on the tournament.”

Crowley said that he and Commissioner Stan Thomas would be at the meeting.