Southern Section Commissioner Resigns

Dean Crowley, commissioner of athletics for the Southern Section of the California Interscholastic Federation, has resigned, effective Sept. 1.

Crowley, 64, told the section’s executive committee and staff of his intent in a letter dated Feb. 9. He began working for the section as an administrative assistant in 1976 and succeeded Stan Thomas as commissioner in 1993.

“I want to explore some new areas,” said Crowley, who worked as a teacher, coach and school administrator for 20 years before joining the section. “I want to spend some time with my grandkids as they grow up. Sleep in a little later and go home a little earlier.”

Crowley, a graduate of Alhambra High and Whittier College, did not rule out the possibility of staying involved in high school athletics in another capacity.

He said he is leaving the 505-school section--which is more than three times bigger than any of the state’s nine other sections--in good shape.

“I’m proud of the work I’ve done,” he said. “We’re financially sound, we brought the section into an era of technology with our web site and computer links and we’ve really made an effort to support sportsmanship and ethical conduct.

“I also think that with our championship events, we do as well as anybody.”

Crowley also said that his successor will face some strong challenges.

“The growth of outside club programs and the need to develop a positive working relationship with them is one thing,” he said.

“Also, we need to be conscious that our eligibility rules don’t make the playing field unlevel. I have some concerns about open enrollment, which to some degree has already created unlevel playing fields.

“But overall, it’s going to be an exciting time. I’m confident the executive committee will find the right person to lead the way.”