PREPNET / SPEAK OUT

Should private high schools be allowed to recruit students for athletic purposes?

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GARY McKNIGHT

Mater Dei, Boys’ Basketball Coach

There’s a fine line between recruiting and providing the right environment and program that recruits on its own. To be honest, right now with the way the rules are in the CIF, any time kids get mad at their coaches they leave and look for greener pastures. You can transfer one time to any school you want to without moving. Kids are going every which way and in the midseason. Right now, kids and parents are marketing themselves because they think their kids are going to be the next pro players.

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J.J. JOHNSTON

Irvine, Golf

I don’t think that private schools should be able to recruit. Just because a private school has more money than a public school doesn’t mean it should be able to have a better team.

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JOSH HEWKO

San Clemente, Water Polo

I’ve never been bothered by other schools recruiting. It makes it more competitive. At least that’s what I think. Like Long Beach Wilson. It doesn’t matter to me who they get. It’s part of sports and you get used to it. Besides, it doesn’t do any good to complain about it.

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STEVE ALLEN

Capistrano Valley Christian Superintendent/President, Academy League

If you market your school to students, a quality athletic program helps attract them to your school. The real question is “What are illegal recruiting methods and what are legal recruiting methods?” A part of CIF’s purpose is to hold schools accountable for doing things according to the established rules. I have seen the CIF attempt to regulate recruitment. Unfortunately, much of the accountability has to be done by the honor system, especially if someone is not held accountable by their league. The sad part is that parents allow their children to be subjected to illegal recruiting. It teaches kids that cheating is OK. Parents need to remember that a well-rounded education that builds character is most important, not just a winning record at a high-profile program.

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MAUREEN O’DONNELL

Mater Dei, Golf

The thing that people need to keep in mind is that people who are good in a sport want to go to a high school where they can excel. A lot of private schools, mainly Santa Margarita and Mater Dei, have good sports programs so good athletes want to go to these schools. Who cares if athletes are recruited, as long as they go to the school where they want to go. It’s the student’s decision.

NEXT QUESTION

Most state high school basketball championships have been held in Northern California the past few years. Should the CIF alternate sites to hold finals in Southern California every other year?