Marina Coach Toby Hess talks to his players after a game last season. (File photo: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone)
Marina High baseball coach Toby Hess, Tustin Coach Charles Chatman and Corona del Mar Coach Kevin McCaffrey reacted to the decision Tuesday by the CIF State Office to postpone a decision until April 3 on whether to delay or resume athletics.
“I respect the decision by the CIF,” Hess said. “New information seems to arrive every day. Having known Rob Wigod (CIF Southern Section commissioner) for 30 years, I am confident he will always represent our community with the best interests of students and athletes in mind.”
Tustin’s Chatman added:
“Maybe someone will be reminded that our spring senior athletes like our winter and fall athletes, need closure. These are not professional or collegiate athletes, there are no do-over options. If we take away their season, the majority will never participate in organized athletics again.
“So if that’s the route we end up taking, it needs to be 100 percent right. I’m reassured to hear they they aren’t making the decision in haste.”
CdM coach Kevin McCaffrey also reacted Wednesday.
“I was happy to see our season wasn’t cancelled yesterday,” he said. “I’m holding out hope we can take 4-6 weeks away from school and hopefully come back and get to play a modified league schedule to finish out the year.
“I’m confident the CIF will do what’s in the best interest of our student athletes. We all want to play but ensuing everyone’s safety has to be the number one priority right now.”
-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com
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