REV inquiry concludes

By T.J. Berka
Staff Writer

An inquiry conducted by Redlands East Valley principal John Maloney into the transfer of junior football player Gary Walker from Rialto to Redlands East Valley found that Walker's transfer was in accordance with CIF rules, according to documents sent to Reggie Thompkins, the Citrus Belt League's liaison to the CIF.
Thompkins, the principal of Eisenhower High School, said that the report from REV was at the office Monday morning and could have been filed as early as Friday afternoon. Thompkins forwarded the report to CIF.
"The report was on my desk this morning," Thompkins said. "The principals of both high schools looked into it and according to the information that they have, there wasn't any violation of CIF rules."
Walker, a first-team all-Citrus Belt and third-team all-county selection this past season, started his athletic career at Redlands East Valley before moving with his family to Rialto for his sophomore and junior year. He moved back into the REV area after the football season concluded.
"As far as we are concerned, it's a legitimate move," Rialto Unified School District spokesperson Syeda Jafri said. "We wish (the Walkers) well."
Neither Maloney or REV athletic director Rhonda Fouch would comment on the inquiry, but according to Thompkins, the investigation was a joint effort between Maloney and Rialto principal Mehran Akhtarhavari - which is exactly how the process should play out in his opinion.
"The principals are the agents of the school," Thompkins said. "When you have a situation like this, its the principals job to meet, look into it and make sure everyone agrees. Both parties did that wonderfully and allowed the process to play out. My job is to arrange the meetings when the rumors get out of hand."
When asked about the frequency and content of the rumors, Thompkins chose not to comment.