Ventura Reacts to Expected Sanctions

The troubled Ventura College men’s basketball program will be stripped of two Western State Conference titles--and possibly a state title--and be placed on two years’ probation for violating state rules, Ventura administrators said Wednesday.

WSC officials on Wednesday unanimously approved sanctions against Ventura that jeopardize the Pirates’ 1996 state championship and bar the team from postseason play in 1998 and ‘99, said Dick James, Ventura’s athletic coordinator.

“I’m shocked,” James said. “It’s about as strict as they could have gone.”

Bob Dinaberg, athletic director at Santa Barbara College, declined comment but said the 13-team conference will announce its decision today.

Aviva Kamin, WSC commissioner, could not be reached for comment.

Kamin previously stated that Ventura likely will be stripped of its state title for violations that include illegal recruiting and financial improprieties by coaches and boosters in the past two years.

A decision to revoke the state title rests with the state Commission on Athletics.

Last month, the findings of a five-month investigation alleged that former Coach Virgil Watson had committed numerous violations--including giving players money and meals, and providing them with access to campus vehicles and facilities.

Watson, who was fired in March, led Ventura to WSC titles in each of his two seasons and a state title two seasons ago.

Ventura President Larry Calderon, who attended the conference meeting with James, announced plans to appeal the ruling within 10 days.

Ventura administrators formally suggested a one-year probation with no banishment from postseason play.

“Given the proactive measures and responsiveness on behalf of the college to correct these violations, the recommendations appear excessive,” Calderon said in a statement.

“I don’t believe these sanctions, especially those directly targeting our current program, are fair to Coach (Glen) Hefferman, the players and all those who have been working cooperatively to correct the unfortunate situation.”

Hefferman, who was hired in August, could not be reached for comment. James said he met with Hefferman on Wednesday and the coach was upset about developments.

Hefferman, former coach at Columbia College in Sonora, was hired when former Shasta Coach Jim Keating reconsidered accepting the job.

Last month, Hefferman voiced his displeasure with administrators regarding players’ difficulty obtaining financial aid and the lack of a reliable assistant.

Hefferman said he feared the program being placed on probation and hinted at searching for a new job.

Ventura will be forced to forfeit all conference games from the past two seasons. The school may appeal through the conference and eventually the Commission on Athletics.