In Defense of Santa Clara

You run a photograph of former football coach Larry Lawrence and a few “glory days” alumni from Santa Clara High School--all of whom are now or have been coaches at St. Bonaventure. I believe the photo was even taken at St. Bonaventure. You outdid yourself.

If these alumni were to help Santa Clara athletes, the sports programs at their former school might improve.

JOANNE KINCAID

Oxnard

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Your story said Maria Sanchez was “brushed off” by Santa Clara administrators when she requested a meeting with them. As a former Santa Clara administrator, I can say that I am not aware of ever “brushing off” another person by either my words or actions. Nor am I aware of other administrators who were at Santa Clara at the time ever “brushing off” a parent or student. I am firmly committed to all aspects of school life, including the athletic program. It hurts and disappoints me to witness these young men accepting losses over and over again. I am not sure of the adage that they will learn from their hurts; I want them to win!

Your story did not build the community; it did not encourage or support young people; it certainly is not going to make them better ballplayers to know that there is so little support out there!

SISTER ADRIENNE CLARE PEREIRA

Oxnard

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I was quoted in your story about the Santa Clara High football team. Imagine my surprise when I bought a copy and began to read.

Where were my words about “feeling safe with my son at Santa Clara”? Where was my statement about “this year looking good with the new coaching staff”? You also didn’t mention what I said about the heart that our football players have or that we gave my son a choice at the end of his sophomore year to leave Santa Clara. He answered that sports are not everything and he liked it at Santa Clara.

Santa Clara didn’t need a negative article. People need to hear the “rest of the story.”

DEBBIE GORMLEY

Oxnard