Panel should get both sides
The message was delivered quietly.
On Thursday, a fax read, in part, that a committee would review athletic programs in the six high schools in the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown.
What that means is just about anyone's guess, but here's what we know:
Bishop Thomas J. Tobin said in the statement, "It is important ... that all aspects of our Catholic schools, including athletics, support and reflect the primary mission of Catholic education ...
"When the integrity of our programs is questioned, we will examine them, commend what is worthwhile and correct whatever is inconsistent with the values of our Catholic schools."
Full study: For instance, the committee wants to look at eligibility issues, which was highlighted this past football season, when Ursuline High forfeited four games after discovering an academically-ineligible player participated.
What caught our eye, however, was another part of the statement:
"Commission members will interview all personnel involved in admissions, eligibility and supervision of the athletic programs and will have full access to all rosters and financial records, including budgets, contracts, scholarships and financial aid documents, accounting practices of booster clubs and records of all funding sources."
Whispers of recruiting has been heard often in this area. Official allegations, though, have been slow to materialize, if at all.
Critics will claim parochial schools can go after any student regardless of residency. They point to parochial schools' success at the state level. For instance, in this weekend's state football championships, parochial schools made up seven of the 12 participating teams, yet less than 25 percent of the football-playing schools in Ohio are private.
Point, counter-point: Proponents, on the other hand, refute charges of recruiting, saying instead that a stricter and faith-based educational program attracts better students. They add that open-enrollment laws passed by the Ohio Legislature make it easier for public school students to attend any school of their choice.
The panel will be chaired by the Rev. Msgr. John Ashton of St. Lucy Parish in Campbell. He will be joined by attorney Mary Beth Houser of Newman, Olson and Kerr; Victoria Conley, executive director of the Sisters of Charity Foundation; Edward Batanian, former Northeast Ohio Coordinator for OHSAA; and Dr. Laurence Bove, ethics professor at Walsh University in North Canton. The commission will produce a written report by June 2002 and submit it to the bishop and the Office of Catholic Schools. The report also will be given to the Ohio High School Athletic Association.
What comes from this panel should make for interesting reading.
Rumors: Certainly, it wasn't put together by Bishop Tobin by one, seemingly unrelated incident. Where there is smoke, there is usually fire. However, belief that a school or individuals are involved in shady activities and proving it are two different things.
However, it is our opinion that the commission would be smart to interview not just school personnel. We recommend the commission seek out those individuals who claim wrong-doing by the Catholic high schools.
Those who use the "R" word -- recruiting -- should be made to substantiate their claims.
Hopefully, if wrong-doers are found they will be dealt with in a swift fashion.
XRob Todor is sports editor of The Vindicator. Write him at todor@vindy.com.