Southern Section Postpones Ruling on Welch, Canyon

The Southern Section has postponed a decision on the fate of Canyon High football Coach Harry Welch and Canyon’s football program until at least June 21, the date of the next scheduled meeting of the section’s executive committee.

Commissioner Stan Thomas was expected to rule Wednesday on charges that Welch, one of Southern California’s most successful coaches, conducted after-school practices last month in violation of section rules. Thomas met Monday with Canyon officials, including Welch and Principal Bill White, as part of an investigation of the allegations.

“Everyone was honest and forthright at the meeting and a lot of good things are going on at that school,” Thomas said. “I don’t want to rush this. We’re dealing with such a successful program and coach, and the community is really into (the football program).”

Thomas is seeking consensus from the executive committee--in part because he expects Canyon to appeal a penalty, especially if the section recommends that Welch serve a one-year suspension.

“I’m concerned about the integrity of the Southern Section. That’s the most important thing we’re dealing with,” Thomas said.

Welch came under scrutiny after a photograph in the May 19 edition of the Newhall Signal showed a Canyon football player in shorts hitting a blocking dummy with several teammates and assistant coach Brian Stiman watching. The photograph was taken May 7.

Welch was admonished by White for conducting practices after the photograph appeared in the newspaper.

Southern Section rules state that football teams cannot practice for longer than one class period a day between the end of the season and May 20, when spring practice begins. Coaches are allowed to run conditioning sessions after school but are prohibited from using football equipment or providing instruction to players.

Thomas said the rule was instituted to protect players from overzealous coaches.