Following the two-year ban of Serra High football from the playoffs following its forfeit of a consolation game to Milpitas, it didn't take long for Joseph Hoyt to react.
Hoyt started an online petition to protest the sanctions imposed by CCS commissioner Nancy Lazenby Blaser, as well as initiating a #FreeSerra Twitter account. The petition as of Tuesday at noon had 539 signatures.
"A lot of Serra alumni and students and players are signing it," Hoyt said. "Even some people not affiliated with Serra are signing it because they don't think it's fair. I had the invigorating experience of a playoff run and winning a CCS title and I know how awesome it is. To deprive these kids of that for missing a consolation game doesn't seem right."
The Serra athletic program had been put on probation by CCS and the program must also make restitution for monies lost by Milpitas High and others.
Hoyt noted there is an appeal process for Serra and that this is "a good way to help that cause."
When his use of an online petition instead of the old-fashioned method of people walking around with clipboards soliciting signatures was mentioned, Hoyt laughed and said "We're taking the media age by storm."
Added Hoyt: "The common theme is 'Let the kids play' and at the end of the day I have respect for coach (Patrick) Walsh and I agree that playing (in the consolation game) was not the right thing to do. He was protecting kids from injury in a sport where (injuries are) so prevalent -- but why take meaningful games away. I personally don't think it's right."
Obviously, the most of the Serra community agrees.
Serra star junior running back/defensive back Kelepi Lataimua missed last season's post-season due to injury and now it appears he'll miss the post-season again in 2015.
"I think it's unfair to not let us play (in the playoffs) for two years," Lataimua said. "The consolation bracket has no meaning, but it's a way for the CCS to get money, I guess."
Serra junior center Reno Anoa'i is garnering some attention these days for the airing of his singing performance on American Idol (Wednesday night at 8 p.m.). He also signed the petition.
"It will be my senior year and I would love to lead the team into the playoffs," Anoi'i said. "I stand by coach Walsh -- he's a great man of integrity and provides great leadership and I follow him in his decision making."
Walsh hesitated slightly when asked about the petition, then said: "I think it's a great show of support. I'm not sure of the legal ramifications of petitions, but it's nice to see Joey (Hoyt), a former player and a Padre, arrange such a vehicle to show support for Serra."
Terra Nova coach Tim Adams played at Serra under former coach Nick Carboni and still follows the program closely. He's saddened by what has transpired.
"The whole deal is unfortunate," Adams said. "Patrick is an outstanding coach and I consider him a friend and want nothing but the best for Serra. It was just an unfortunate set of circumstances. I feel bad for the players and the program. I'd like to see the two-year ban dropped to one year -- Patrick makes some valid points, it's just the timing was bad and Nancy (Lazenby Blaser) makes some valid points too. She didn't have a knee-jerk reaction. She spent a lot of time making her decision."
Regarding the petition, Adams said: "I think all of the positive feedback Serra can provide at this point is not going to hurt."
Lazenby Blaser, who is retiring in the fall, does not think a petition will have any impact.
"Our Board is not an elected body, so a petition should have no bearing on any issue the Executive Committee and the Board consider," Lazenby Blaser said by email.
Twitter has also been lit up on the topic with some players and Serra supporters voicing their opinions.
Tweeted former St. Francis High two-sport star Braden Bishop, who is the older brother of Serra quarterback Hunter Bishop: "You're absolutely sending the wrong message to these kids. If anyone should be disappointed in their decision it's the CCS."
Offered former Serra baseball star Tony Renda: "Sad to see my alma mater Serra High School banned from CCS competition for two years. Don't take the experience away from the kids." #FreeSerra
Tweeted Hunter Bishop who led Serra to its second consecutive WCAL co-title last season: "Although some might not agree with the decision made, we'll keep our heads up and play Padre football next year with or w/o playoffs #WCAL
