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Students, parents and coaches urge Chico Unified to pursue CIF lacrosse after athletics survey
Summary
After athletics staff presented CIF participation data, five public commenters — including a national‑level player, parents and nonprofit and club coaches — asked Chico Unified to seek CIF sanctioning for lacrosse, saying CIF status would broaden inclusive, no‑cut opportunities and strengthen college pathways.
Chico Unified’s annual athletics presentation on May 14 included CIF survey results and prompted multiple public comments urging the district to pursue CIF‑sanctioned lacrosse at Chico High and Pleasant Valley.
Athletics staff reported participation counts and survey results showing football and track and field among the largest programs, and noted growth in some male and female team participation. Following the presentation, five community speakers made formal public comments asking the board to add lacrosse as a CIF sport.
Oliver Brown, a Chico High sophomore, told the board he plays lacrosse at a national level but that his high school does not recognize lacrosse as a CIF sport. ‘‘Because Chico High doesn't have a CIF lacrosse program, the Rebels are forced to travel as far as St. Louis... my school will never recognize me as an athlete,’’ Brown said, urging the board to authorize CIF lacrosse.
Parents and coaches described the Chico Rebels club’s history, success in producing college players and community support. Leonard Jones said his son received a college lacrosse scholarship despite the absence of a school program, and coach Nick Farzo and nonprofit director Hogan Brown urged the district to consider lacrosse as a no‑cut, inclusive spring sport that can expand athletic access.
Board members acknowledged the request, asked staff to compile information about nearby CIF opponents and potential Title IX implications, and noted adding a CIF sport is a district decision: CIF already sanctions lacrosse statewide, so the board’s question is whether Chico Unified will place a school‑run program under CIF rules. Staff said they will research opponents within a practical travel radius and return with additional information.
The comments generated sustained public interest and board direction to staff to study feasibility, competitive opponents and compliance considerations before any formal action.
