Lightning placed on probation

The Sage Hill School boys’ and girls’ athletic programs have been placed on probation for two years after the CIF Southern Section discovered a lack of administrative oversight last spring involving the boys’ volleyball team.

Boys’ Athletic Director J.R. Tolver said the boys’ volleyball program’s decision to withdraw from the CIF Southern California Division III Regional Championship opening-round match on June 2 at Francis Parker of San Diego forced the section to put Sage Hill on probation.

The boys’ volleyball program received the harshest penalty. The program is prohibited from participating in the CIF Southern California Regional Championship in the spring.

Tolver said the Lightning could still qualify for the CIF Southern Section postseason, but not the state tournament, which takes place after the section playoffs.

The rest of the sports teams at Sage Hill will be able to participate in section, regional and state postseason competition, Tolver said.

“We respect the decision made by the CIF,� Tolver said.

Tolver said some players decided to take a trip after getting swept in the semifinals of CIF Southern Section Division V playoffs at Salesian of Los Angeles instead of playing again. Tolver added Coach Dan Thomassen wasn’t disciplined for the incident and he will return to coach the boys’ volleyball team in the spring.

Last year, Thomassen guided the Lightning to a 19-14 record and their second section semifinal appearance in three years.

“Initially, the CIF [banned the boys’ volleyball program from the state tournament] for two years, but we have recently addressed the issue with the CIF,� Tolver said. “Our players and coaches understand that if they decide to play or coach, they have to commit themselves for the entire season.

“As for the rest of the programs [being on probation] at Sage Hill, the CIF just gave us a warning. We can’t let something like this happen again.�

If it does, the CIF Southern Section posted on its website any infraction involving the Sage boys’ and girls’ athletic programs during the two-year probation will result in further sanction that may include suspension of membership.