Chatsworth Duo Denied Eligibility

Three former Faith Baptist High baseball players seeking athletic eligibility at City Section schools met with different fates Friday.

The hardship petitions of Chad Evanson and Mike Jimenez were denied, while Clint Marcus was granted eligibility. All are seniors.

Marcus attends El Camino Real. Evanson and Jimenez are enrolled at Chatsworth. All three claimed financial hardship.

Wayne Evanson, Chad’s father, said he was told by City Section Commissioner Barbara Fiege that his annual income is sufficient to pay the tuition at a private school.

Jimenez, who couldn’t be reached for comment, received the same news. Fiege also could not be reached.

“It’s really confusing and frustrating,” Wayne Evanson said.

The elder Evanson criticized the City for a series of delays that three times resulted in failure to reach a final verdict on his son’s eligibility.

A decision was first expected last fall, but was delayed because of a backlog of cases.

The Evansons said they have scheduled a Jan. 22 meeting to appeal the decision.

Jimenez was contending for a starting outfield position. Evanson, a right-hander, was expected to be the team’s No. 3 pitcher.