Chaminade Principal Says Former Coach Broke Rule

Principal Gary Murphy of Chaminade High concluded that former boys’ basketball coach Jeff Young violated a Southern Section rule by recruiting former guard Will Sheslow to the West Hills school, according to a correspondence Murphy sent last month to section Commissioner James Staunton.

The correspondence, which was released to The Times on Thursday under the California Public Records Act, was sent to the Southern Section on Feb. 22 following an internal investigation.

“After much discussion, investigation and deliberation, I have concluded that Coach Young had indeed violated rule 510 of the CIF Blue Book in regards to this particular family,” Murphy wrote in his letter.

“I believe that numerous contacts were made, both over the telephone and in person, in which Coach Young attempted to persuade Will Sheslow to transfer from Montclair Prep to Chaminade, a move that was indeed made in the late spring of 2000.”

Young announced his resignation on Feb. 26 after seven years as coach, saying he wanted to pursue college coaching opportunities. He has denied ever telling Sheslow to come to Chaminade.

Murphy stated in his letter that he met with the Sheslow family on Feb. 7 and allegations were made that Young “actively recruited” Sheslow for two years before his transfer to Chaminade last fall.

Sheslow, who quit Chaminade’s team in January, has transferred to Granada Hills.

Staunton wrote back to Murphy on Feb. 27, stating that the Southern Section considers the matter closed.