SOUNDING OFF:

April 25 was a great day in — and for — Costa Mesa.

The dedication of the new and terrific Jim Scott Sr. Stadium was one of the most vibrant, exciting and heart-warming events in recent memory.

As my wife, Elaine, and I attended the very first meeting called by the Scotts more than 13 years ago to discuss a prospective stadium, we are especially proud to see Jim’s dream become a reality. Our heartfelt congratulations go out to Jim and his family. His determination, conviction and unwillingness to accept “no” for an answer is why the new stadium exists.

Just as Jim Scott had a vision, I have one as well. Mine is to build upon the positivity engendered by the opening of this facility and to call for the (re)unification of Costa Mesa. For almost 40 years these two schools have treated each other as cross-town rivals. This rivalry has not always been favorable nor positive. Even Jim Scott’s annual Battle for the Bell football, basketball and baseball games have occasionally resulted in rancor, jealousy and hard feelings.

It’s wasteful to operate two high schools when one could work better.

Here’s how: We come up with a new name for our new high school, with east and west campuses. Students would attend the school nearest their homes, but have the option of hopping a bus to the other campus just before lunch for AP classes, drama, TV workshops or other specialized educational opportunities.

At the end of the day, sports team practices would be split between the two campuses as well.

The net result? Combining the two schools would result in a single school with more than 2,400 students and a far better football, basketball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, softball and swim team than either school can now field. We could likely offer more and varied AP classes with a greater potential population to utilize them. Savings could be generated by combining administrative functions between the campuses and eliminating duplication of people, effort and time.

And lastly, the elimination of the rivalry would serve to eradicate the us vs. them mentality which has prevailed for as long as I can remember. It could also result in camaraderie and harmony and a one-school spirit in the place of internecine bickering and the unavoidable hard feelings.

Healthy competition is good. I say let’s engage in that healthy competition with other towns, not among ourselves. The opening of the new Jim Scott Sr. Stadium has opened a window of opportunity. Let’s make sure it doesn’t close on our fingers. Now is the time. Let’s do it.

CHUCK CASSITY lives in Costa Mesa.