HS FOOT: Ex-Canyon coach issues statement

Harry Welch, who won five titles at Canyon and is now at Santa Margarita, has been punished for a rules violation, according to published reports, in the wake of hosting an open house at Santa Margarita that allegedly did not jive with section rules.

Here is his statement:

"I am pleased that the CIF's investigation of the March 31 event at Santa Margarita Catholic High School was concluded so quickly. I and the entire SMCHS administration put a tremendous amount of effort into making this a positive event for the school and the community, and ensuring that it complied with CIF rules.

"In planning of the event we used our best efforts to be transparent with the CIF, and to make this the community-based event it was intended to be, consistent with the rules. I believe we followed the rules and the CIF's guidance in planning and putting on an event which show-cased the academic, arts and athletic excellence of SMCHS.

"Unfortunately, the CIF disagreed. I do appreciate the CIF's swift action in resolving the issue. This allows the boys to get on with the work of preparing for what I know will be an exciting and rewarding season without distraction. That's why we are here, that's what is most important, and that's what we will do."

-- Gerry Gittelson