Proposal A : Irvine and University Highs May Be Outclassed, but Woodbridge Probably Will Stay Right Where It Is if This Plan Is Adopted

Should the Southern Section General Council adopt basketball playoff Proposal A at Thursday’s meeting, two of the three high schools in the Irvine Unified School District would have to move up one division for postseason play next season. The third school, and the most successful of the three in recent years, would remain where it is.

Irvine, currently a 4-A division school, would move to the 5-A along with the rest of the South Coast League. The 5-A includes several basketball powers such as Mater Dei and St. Bernard.

University, a 3-A school from the Sea View League, would move to the 4-A.

But Woodbridge, a Pacific Coast League team that has been a dominant power in the 2-A division for two seasons, would remain where it is.

Woodbridge won the Southern Section 2-A championship in 1987 and was a finalist in 1988.

“We’re not real happy about Proposal A, to be honest,” Steve Scoggin, University boys’ coach and athletic director, said.

Barry Schulenberg, Irvine athletic director, went even further: “I think it’s ridiculous,” he said.

Dave Cowan, Woodbridge athletic director, said that his school was in favor of Proposal A, adding: “Either way you go, it’s a tumultuous time.”

Especially for Irvine and University.

“We’re in a definite disadvantage either way,” Scoggin said. “Irvine probably feels the same way.”

Said Schulenberg: “Look at the size of our school (currently 2,079 students).

“I don’t think we’re in the same ballgame with those 5-A schools. Not the Mater Deis, Ocean Views and St. Bernards.”

Irvine Coach Steve Keith says he’s more flexible.

“It’s the type of deal that will certainly make it tougher to win a CIF (Southern Section) championship,” Keith said. “(But) I don’t think it’s going to be as radical as it sounds. I mean, it’s not like we’re going to have to play Mater Dei 100 times.

“I guess, basically, I really prefer the way it is now.”

The open enrollment policy that will go into effect in the fall for all three Irvine Unified School District high schools may further complicate the situation.

Under the open enrollment policy, students living in the district will be able to choose to attend Irvine, University or Woodbridge.

“I guess a kid’s going to have to make a decision,” Scoggin said. “Will he want to play 4-A basketball, 5-A basketball or 2-A basketball next year?”

Irvine has a current enrollment of 2,079, with a projected enrollment of 2,200 for the fall.

University currently has 2,200 students, with a projected enrollment of 1,930.

Woodbridge has 1,584, with a projected 1,650 in the fall.