Parents are spending 1000's of dollars and logging up 100's of hours with club teams, summer leagues and private coaches, mostly with the reward of earning an athletic scholarship to college.

By the time their son or daughter reaches high school, they find a new world order, too. High school regulations, including those governing the CIF-Southern Section, have made it possible for a teenager to all but attend any high school as long as parents move into the district boundaries. No wonder many parents seek the ideal place for their child -- virtually "shopping" their child, coaches and administrators say. The rich get richer, which is one of the reasons why area schools such as Westlake and St. Bonaventure are perennial football powers.

Westlake High School has attracted a string of high-profile quarterback transfers from other schools, including Carpenter. St. Bonaventure is an enticing stop for top football talent, including graduated defensive stars Lee Martin and Tony Castaldi, both of whom transferred from Royal High School. Under CIF-SS regulations, it's perfectly legal. Parents also say that it is their duty to look for not only a top educational environment for their children, but a place where a great athletic program will lead to recognition and a scholarship.

Baseball I Basketball I Bowling I Cross Country I Fencing I Field Hockey I Football I Golf I Gymnastics I Ice Hockey I Lacrosse  Rowing I Skiing I Soccer I Softball I Swimming I Tennis I Track and Field I Volleyball I Water Polo I Wrestling