Crowley Seen as Possible Successor

The day after Stan Thomas was forced to resign as commissioner of the CIF Southern Section, there was uncertainty about a successor.

Dean Crowley, a Southern Section administrator since 1976 and associate commissioner for the last five years, has been the acting commissioner since Oct. 7. He will remain in that capacity until the section’s Executive Committee meets next week to discuss the matter.

Several Executive Committee members interviewed Thursday said they felt comfortable with Crowley and that he probably will be offered the job.

“We have an associate commissioner who has been in that office for 18 years,” said Gary Smidderks, principal of Los Angeles Baptist High in North Hills and president of the Executive Committee. “Whatever process we put in place, we’re not in jeopardy with him. He’s assured me the office will continue to operate just fine.”

Crowley, 59, said he has not had time to consider whether he wants to finish his career as commissioner.

“There’s a lot of heartache around here right now, so I haven’t given serious thought to replacing Stan,” said Crowley, a finalist for the commissioner’s job in 1986 before Thomas was hired. “There is a big challenge here, and I do like challenges. But I need to sit down with the Executive Committee and discuss the direction they see the section going.”

If Crowley decides against the move, sources say Bill Clark, a Southern Section administrator since 1980, and Ken Gunn, principal at Walnut High and an Executive Committee member since 1987, would be high on the list of candidates. Karen Hellyer, a Southern Section administrator since 1981, will probably also be considered.