High school: Jones jumping hurdles to start USC

Bob Jones understands everyone may not share his vision or his passion, but he said he just wants the chance to make it a reality.

Jones is the impetus, financier and chairman of the Board for USC at Woodland Hills, a private school that has been trying to gain membership into the Utah High School Activities Association since November.

Jones and USC staff will make another presentation to the UHSAA's Board of Trustees on Thursday in hopes of gaining at least associate member status.

"I don't believe they can not sanction us," said Jones, a real estate developer. "We've met all the requirements ... I don't foresee anything that could stop us."

But what may be stopping the BOT from approving USC, even as an associate member, is the fact that UHSAA officials don't believe Jones has provided the association with the documents required, and asked for in two different meetings, to secure membership.

Whether it's associate membership or full membership, schools hoping to gain membership in the UHSAA are required to have the following:

• Stable enrollment.

• Facilities and equipment must meet the requirements of each sport or activity rule book.

• An on-site committee inspection is required by the Board of Trustees before membership is approved to ensure adequate facilities, seating, dressing rooms, etc.

Associate members are not eligible for postseason play, which Jones and his staff say is fine with them, especially given this is the school's first year participating with the UHSAA membership.

"I personally think we should be an associate member first," said Larry Wilson, USC's director of football and rugby operations. "It's a safe way for the activities association to see who we are ... It allows you to establish your program and your identities."

Associate membership is usually given to schools that are unable to field at least one sport for girls and one sport for boys each season (fall, winter and spring). USC will be offering more than one sport for each gender in each season but may not meet all of the requirements regarding facilities. UHSAA executive director Evan Excell said he was provided with contracts late last week that allow for USC teams to use a city softball field, a junior college basketball court and unnamed football facilities. He said what worries him is that the contracts state USC teams can use the facilities if their own programs don't need them at the same times.