Amended Nevada Senate bill satisfies Tahoe school

The Human Resources and Facilities Committee amended SB489, allowing California high schools to continue competing for Nevada state titles but empowering the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association to create a special trophy for the top Nevada-based school.

Lake Tahoe high schools South Tahoe, Truckee and North Tahoe are three of the five California schools that compete in Nevada leagues. Reaction to the Senate Committee amendment at South Tahoe High School was one of relief.

"I'm glad that it's over, but it's hard to celebrate something that I thought was frivolous from the beginning. I'm glad that things for all intents and purposes are remaining status quo," said STHS Athletic Director Frank Kovac. "The whole process reaffirmed in my mind that Californians and Nevadans are good neighbors."

The proposed bill, which still must be approved by the Senate, Assembly and governor, also requires that all state championships take place in Nevada.

The bill stemmed from a Nevada coalition led by Moapa Valley High football coach Jeff Knutson. Knutson, whose Pirates were routed by Truckee in the Nevada 3A state semifinals last fall, was fed up with California teams being crowned Nevada state champions.

Knutson had hoped to eliminate any out-of-state schools from competing in Nevada postseason tournaments. If he had been successful, the Lake Tahoe schools would have considered competing in Sacramento- and Stockton-area leagues.

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