Suspension of Montclair Prep Coach in Doubt

By JOHN LYNCH and JOHN ORTEGA

Aug. 21, 1991 12 AM PT

TIMES STAFF WRITERS

Southern Section Commissioner Stan Thomas said Tuesday he was willing to waive a one-year suspension of Montclair Prep assistant football coach John Hazelton, one day after Canyon football Coach Harry Welch beat the section in court.

Thomas initiated negotiations with Hazelton after a San Fernando Superior Court judge on Monday granted Welch a preliminary injunction to retain his coaching position, a move that set aside a 5 1/2-month suspension recommended by Thomas.

Although Daniel Grigsby, Hazelton’s attorney, claimed that Hazelton’s reinstatement takes effect immediately, Thomas said no deal has been finalized.

Thomas said that he interpreted Monday’s ruling to mean the section has no jurisdiction over personnel matters. Welch had been suspended for allegedly conducting an illegal off-season practice.

“Obviously, based on what the judge ruled, we have no authority as it relates to personnel matters,” Thomas said. “As a result, our only recourse is to sanction programs.”

In April, the section banned Montclair Prep from postseason play for the 1991-92 school year in all sports and for three years in football for recruiting violations. The section accused Hazelton of recruiting violations and recommended a one-year suspension as part of that penalty.

Hazelton appealed that recommendation July 31 but lost. A three-member panel rejected Hazelton’s appeal, saying he exhibited a “disregard and lack of knowledge of the state’s recruiting rules.”

“We sanctioned the Montclair Prep program and that’s unaffected,” Thomas said. “If our lawyers agree to reinstate (Hazelton), I have no problem with that.”

Grigsby said that section attorney Bob Miller contacted him Tuesday after reviewing Hazelton’s appeal.

Grigsby said he told Miller that Hazelton wanted to be allowed to coach this season. Miller cleared that with the three-person appeals panel, Grigsby said, allowing Hazelton to coach.

“I don’t think I’m surprised what happened,” Hazelton said. “But I’m surprised when it happened. I definitely think Monday’s ruling helped me.

“Whoever got to bat first in this thing was going to help the guy in the on-deck circle.”