Jacobson’s Compromise Is Immediately Rejected

Tom Jacobson, president of the Southern Section executive committee, offered a possible compromise Wednesday to settle the Santa Margarita High School controversy but was immediately rebuffed.

“What if we allowed Santa Margarita to compete in a public league, but the school had no bearing on the league championship?” Jacobson said at a meeting Wednesday.

In other words, the Eagles could compete in an Orange County league, but could not win a championship or an automatic berth into the Southern Section playoffs. The Eagles could qualify for postseason play, but as a free-lance team.

The suggestion was quickly turned down.

Said St. Bernard Principal Father William Brelsford: “Isn’t Santa Margarita a dues-paying member of the Southern Section with full membership rights? This compromise is a gross violation of its rights.”

Said Santa Margarita Principal Father Michael Harris: “I’d have a tough time going back to my school and explaining to the kids that we’re in an Orange County league but we can’t win a league championship.”