September 6, 2007

Quarterback Dorsey's Berkeley eligibility questioned
NCS is conducting an investigation of the former Tennyson student
By Michael Bower

STAFF WRITER

The athletic eligibility of Berkeley High School senior transfer Elliott Dorsey is being investigated by the North Coast Section, Yellow Jackets athletic director Kristin Glenchur confirmed Wednesday.

Dorsey, a star quarterback for the Tennyson football team last season, under the California Interscholastic Federation transfer rules would not be allowed to participate in any athletics at Berkeley for 365 days if NCS finds any tampering or recruiting violations. That would end Dorsey's prep career.

"Based on information we received through our contacts, we suspect there was prior contact (between Dorsey and Berkeley)," Tennyson athletic director Hugh Lenahan said. "We believed there was prior contact while Elliott Dorsey was still enrolled at Tennyson High School."

Yellow Jackets first-year, high-profile coach Alonzo Carter said he will not play Dorsey until he is cleared by the NCS. Carter won back-to-back Silver Bowls at McClymonds before opting to leave for Berkeley.

"We are going to wait to see what NCS decides," Carter said. "He is not going to play until he is cleared. ... I have no comment on the situation. I don't want to do anything that will make things harder on the kid."

Lenahan said he was asked by Glenchur to submit any information he had on the situation. Lenahan did his own investigation before turning over his findings to Glenchur. Glenchur also conducted an investigation but would not comment on her findings. She turned the case over to the NCS, which will make the final decision.

NCS commissioner Tom Ehrhorn said "schools can be penalized or sanctioned" for violating the transfer rules. Ehrhorn is not allowed to comment on specific cases due to the Federal Education Records Privacy Act.

Dorsey accounted for 70 percent of the Lancers offense last season, passing for 1,315 yards and rushing for 740 yards. Tennyson finished with a 3-7 record.

SOFTBALL

Versatile Deer Valley senior Shenise Cox has made an oral commitment to New Mexico, where she'll play for the Lobos on a full scholarship.

"I visited the school on (an unofficial visit) last month and just fell in love with the campus," said Cox, who said she will major in broadcast journalism. "The scenery is beautiful there."

Cox caught the eye of the New Mexico coaches by hitting two home runs in a game for her club team, Sorcerer Gold, in Las Vegas. New Mexico and San Jose State both offered her full scholarships, and she was also considering Cal State Fullerton, Sacramento State, UC Riverside and St. John's.

Cox was an All-Times second-team selection last season after batting .397 with 19 RBI and 17 runs and playing third base, outfield and catcher for the Wolverines. She'll play the outfield for the Lobos.