Parochial Schools’ Place in Sports

The attempt to include parochial schools in public school athletic leagues has raised a stream of controversy. It seems every sports page has long articles on the subject.

Depending on who you talk to, both sides have good arguments. Certainly, no coach wants to play someone who has a definite advantage over him or can do things he cannot do--that kind of a loss is hard to swallow.

Yet, no one would argue that any school in Southern California should have to drive 100 miles to play a game. Travel has become a major problem as well as the expense and time involved. When you consider the number of sports that schools field, travel almost becomes prohibitive.

It seems some kind of compromise could be worked out that both sides could live with. One suggestion would be that to be eligible at a parochial high school, a student must graduate from a parochial junior high. It seems to me most people would send their children to parochial elementary schools if they believe in parochial education. If they did not attend the parochial schools, they would not be eligible for at least one year.

If this solution is not acceptable, then form a league of football and basketball only since that’s where all the static comes from. Let all the other sports play schools close to home.

To force schools to play each other by court order is a poor way to go and can only cause more resentment. Orange County is probably the best athletic area in California. We should be able to solve our problems to the satisfaction of all.

DICK TUCKER, Newport Beach