It’s Simply a Sorry Situation

Somebody at the archdiocese of Los Angeles owes Alemany High girls’ basketball Coach Melissa Hearlihy a giant apology.

An apology as public as her dismissal had been. Anything less is unacceptable.

But don’t hold your breath. It’s been nearly two weeks since the archdiocese gave Alemany Principal Father Robert Milbauer the option of rehiring Hearlihy--and still, not a single word of regret. Not even a hint that the folks running the archdiocese admit to acting too hastily.

This kind of behavior from any controlling institution is intolerable. But from the archdiocese? It’s downright shameful.

Hearlihy, who essentially was fired by the archdiocese after a quickie investigation into her conduct--which was brought on by a single complaint from parents of a player--has returned to the sideline where she belongs.

But after nearly four agonizing weeks of having her name dragged through mud, can she be the same coach she was before this happened? Will she be able to coach without looking over her shoulder, or second-guessing everything she says to her players?

Hearlihy, with a career record of 268-68 in 12 seasons at Alemany, is one the most successful coaches in the region, a winner nearly 80% of the time.

Yet her sparkling reputation has been forever stained because the archdiocese acted unreasonably against Hearlihy before the investigation was complete.

Asked if the archdiocese would be issuing an apology, Father Gregory Coiro, director of media relations, responded: “We have legal restrictions where we cannot discuss personnel matters.”

Can’t discuss whether or not an apology is warranted? Please. Stop hiding behind that sanctimonious shroud of righteousness.

What Hearlihy lost in four weeks can never be replaced.

Years from now when people speak of Hearlihy, some will only remember that she was fired because of her “conduct.”

Some might say, “Well, she must have done something wrong, or the archdiocese wouldn’t have pulled her contract.”

Hearlihy always had full support of Alemany’s administration, and still, the archdiocese asserted its authority.

“I can say without any hesitation she did absolutely nothing wrong,” said Dudley Rooney, Alemany’s athletic director. “She handled herself professionally and always has.”

As for getting an apology, Hearlihy isn’t expecting one.

“I expected a reason [for my dismissal] and I never got that [either],” she said. “We expect a lot of things in life.

“Right not I can’t be bothered with that. Getting my contract back is enough for me right now.”

Hearlihy prefers to focus on the positive. If she ever doubted her popularity among present and former players, or other area coaches, she doesn’t these days.

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Coach Lou Cvijanovich (known to many as “Coach C”) has a lot to show for his 39 years of service at Santa Clara High in Oxnard.

For starters, he has nearly 800 coaching victories in boys’ basketball, 17 Southern Section titles (two in football, one in baseball) and two state championships.

Even at 70, he doesn’t show many signs of slowing down.

“As long as I have my health, I’ll keep coaching,” said Cvijanovich, who is 783-243 (76%) as the Saints’ basketball coach.

His illustrious career is the stuff of legends and Wednesday he finally received the kind of recognition he so richly deserves.

At a ceremony in San Antonio, Texas, honoring 14 individuals, Cvijanovich became the first person from Ventura County inducted into the National High School Sports Hall of Fame.

The magnitude of the honor wasn’t lost on Cvijanovich.

“I think it’s really the finest thing that’s ever happened to me besides my beautiful wife and having my [eight] kids,” he said.

“I’d be a liar if I didn’t say I’m still walking on a cloud.”

Cvijanovich’s group--which included former UCLA and NBA basketball star Bill Walton--is the 15th to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, which started in 1982.