Welch Gets Injunction, Can Coach This Season

Harry Welch was granted a preliminary injunction by a San Fernando Superior Court judge Monday that will allow Welch to remain as football coach at Canyon High of Canyon Country.

The injunction stays a 5 1/2-month suspension, recommended by the Southern Section and accepted by Canyon High, that would have barred Welch from contact with his players until Dec. 31. Welch has been accused of conducting an off-season practice in violation of Southern Section rules.

The ruling rendered by Judge Haig Kehiayan after a 90-minute hearing was greeted by applause from a standing-room-only crowd of nearly 100 Welch backers.

The injunction remains in effect until Welch’s civil case goes to trial, a process that could take six months to two years.

“I feel elated,” Welch said. “The judge made it very clear that the cause was right. How could a judge have ruled more in our favor?”

Kehiayan said the Southern Section provided no competent evidence, denied Welch due process and acted arbitrarily. The judge also dismissed evidence provided by Southern Section Commissioner Stan Thomas as hearsay.

“This is an improper attempt by the (Southern Section) to exercise authority over the school district, the school and Welch,” Kehiayan said. “There is a total lack of facts.”

The Southern Section will not appeal the ruling, Thomas said.

“I guess we got beat up pretty good, but as far as I’m concerned the matter is closed,” Thomas said. “I have no control over the courts. I guess we are procedurely incorrect. Well, so be it.

“The laws are there to protect all people, and in this case they have protected a person who has been involved in some way with multiple violations of our rules,” Thomas said. “It’s hard to accept the fact that even though the school admits to violations, Mr. Welch will be the football coach.”