Mission Viejo Fires Volleyball Coach, Forfeits Season : Prep sports: Alleged drinking at party, other incidents, led to action, officials say.

MISSION VIEJO —  Mission Viejo High School officials have canceled the rest of the boys’ volleyball season after interviewing players about several violations, including a party at a parent’s home at which alcohol was allegedly served.

Saddleback Valley Unified School District Supt. Peter Hartman confirmed Thursday night that first-year Coach Mark Booth, a walk-on, had been fired because of the incident. The Diablos will forfeit their entire season, including three remaining South Coast League games.

“All we know is that one of the players’ parents invited the kids and coaches over to their house to watch the (George Foreman-Evander Holyfield) fight last Friday and bunch of them (players) had beer,” Hartman said.

The Diablos have canceled games against San Clemente, Dana Hills and Capistrano Valley.

A source close to the situation said part of the investigation involved a shoving match between Booth and one of the players at the UCLA Tournament of Champions on Saturday, the day after the party. Mission Viejo was 3-5 in the tournament and failed to advance out of pool play.

Mission Viejo Principal Bob Metz said the school’s athletic review board rendered the decision Thursday after interviewing Diablo players and coaches. Metz said there was more than one reason for the suspension.

“There’s a personnel matter we’re working on,” Metz said. “Also involved was the behavior of a student and an eligibility factor.”

Metz refused comment on Booth’s status, saying it was “a personnel matter.”

Three players interviewed had no comment, and Booth was unavailable for comment.

The Diablos were 6-4 this season and challenging for a Southern Section playoff spot.

Ted Olsen, a member of the board of directors of the Mission Viejo booster club, said the alleged drinking incident “undermines everything we’re trying to do.”

“How sad,” Olsen said. “The parents should know better. That’s one of the things we’re trying hardest to let kids know.

“It’s a shock to hear about something like this. You realize kids are going to do things like this, but you can’t condone adults letting it happen.”