‘Administrative error' knocks South Bay high-schoolers out of chance at championship

Parents and supporters of a South Bay high school soccer team and its players are frustrated after the Chula Vista side had to forfeit their chance at a divisional championship.

The boys play for the Bonita Vista High School varsity soccer team, which is in the Sweetwater Union High School District. The team recently forfeited its championship because of what was described as an administrative error due to the fact that one player was not academically eligible.

The parents and players attended a district board meeting on Monday night to ask for help.

“It disqualified them to go further into state playoffs, robbing them of the opportunity of exposure, you know, from college recruits and, you know, [a chance at] winning the state championship,” said Johnny Llamas, the father of one of the player.

In response, the district released a statement, saying:

“The Sweetwater District takes all matters affecting students with the utmost seriousness. An internal review has been initiated, and, once the review is complete, the district will take appropriate action based on the findings.”