(April 1, 1999) -- Clark has signed up with the California Interscholastic Federation to be put on the waiting list for sports. This year Clark was unable to provide students with any sports, and next year the process might be repeated.

According to assistant principal Joan Shoff, our CIF has said that if Clark is granted even one sport, its students will be restricted from going to their home schools for sports that are not offered at Clark. If Clark decides not to offer any sports next year, the students will still be allowed to compete in scrimmages with other schools. Scrimmages are unofficial games against other high schools.

In the future, Clark will provide sports for its students. However, this process will occur gradually.

"Clark has applied with the CIF for sports, but this process will be taken into consideration," Mrs. Shoff said.

If we were to have sports next year, which will they be? "Since we have a gym, we can provide the students with a place to play volleyball and basketball. Also we have a luxurious park that we can use for baseball and soccer. Students can also choose to play golf in the park, or dance in the dance room."

For some this is a very convenient. However, for those who play water sports such as water polo, this will be very disappointing.

Getting the sports we want is not as easy as some may think. According to Mrs. Shoff we would need proper facilities, coaches and money. According to Mrs. Schoff we would still have to pay for the license, insurance and a registration fee to sign up for the CIF.

The choice of having sports in this school is not entirely up to the students or teachers. According to Mrs. Schoff, the CIF has to first approve our school having the right requirements to provide the students with the sports they want. Then we are finally able to have sports at Clark Magnet High School. So until then, stop bugging your teachers about having sports for next year.