Host family father, James Watson (left), Corona del Mar senior Martin Babovic and attorney Richard Bridgford are hopeful of a victory in court. DAN ALBANO, OCVARSITY.COM

Central County Notes: Athlete, family ready to take on CIF-SS

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Notes, opinions and more about water polo, tennis, golf, volleyball and cross country in the central region of the county.

For the father of the family hosting Corona del Mar foreign exchange student Martin Babovic, there is some relief amid the uncertainty.

Babovic's eligibility case against the CIF-Southern Section will be heard today in Orange County Superior Court.

Babovic is a touted water polo goalie from Serbia who is seeking to play for the Sea Kings' varsity team.

“We're relieved to believe that a body with a sense of fairness and objectivity on Tuesday is going to make a final ruling,” said James Watson, whose family is hosting Babovic.

“This is a great kid. Water polo is one piece of his life. He's a great student. He's got a great family. He's got a lot of other great elements in his life and this is just one that he has been denied, and he has been denied it unfairly.”

Babovic, a senior, has not played for Corona del Mar's varsity team.

The Southern Section has stated that Corona del Mar and Babovic's placing agency need to show that the player was randomly placed at Corona del Mar. Random placement is one of the section's requirements for approving foreign exchange students.

Babovic has been approved to play junior varsity, his attorney, Richard Bridgford said.

“It's hard for me,” Babovic said of his situation. “I like this game. … I'm trying sometimes to focus on school but I think a lot about this.”

Last week, Babovic filed a temporary restraining order against the Southern Section.

The order was rejected but the preliminary injunction hearing Bridgford was seeking was set for today.

“I think there's been a real rush to judgment in this case, based upon rumor and innuendo,” said Bridgford, father of Mission Viejo standout quarterback Allan Bridgford.

“Martin followed the rules. … He was matched with the Watsons by a CIF-approved organization: AYUSA. There was no pre-enrollment contact of any kind for purposes of recruitment by the school, by the (athletic director), by the coaches or by the host family.”

Diane Marshall-Freeman, the state CIF's legal counsel, declined comment.

“We do not comment on any cases with pending litigation,” she said in a statement released by the state CIF office. –Dan Albano

O.C. CHAMPIONSHIPS READY TO GO

Foothill will serve as host for the 42nd Orange County cross country championships on Saturday at Irvine Regional Park. The meet begins at 8:00 a.m.

Fans are advised to arrive early because parking is limited and fills up quickly. Overflow parking and shuttle buses will be available at Santiago Canyon College.

For more information regarding the O.C. Championships, go to www.ocxchamps.com.

In other cross country news, Edison junior Matt McElroy has posted another big victory.

One week after finishing first at the Sunset League cluster meet, he won the large schools race at the Clovis Invitational. McElroy posted a time of 15:37, edging Saugus junior Alec Nelson (15:41). – Jason Eichelberger

TEXAS COURTING MATER DEI'S DUBREUIL 

Mater Dei golfer Desiree Dubreuil recently made a recruiting trip to the University of Texas.

While on the trip, the senior took in a Longhorns football game against Arkansas and played a round of golf on the university's course.

On Thursday, No. 4 Mater Dei and No. 1 Santa Margarita will tee off at Willowick in a Trinity League showdown. – Damian Dottore

Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com