The Texas Senate voted 22-7 on Friday to pass a bill that would allow private high schools to participate in all University Interscholastic League sports and competitive activities with the exception of football and basketball.

It signified progress for Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, who had been pushing the initiative since 2007. Texas is just one of three states in the country — California and Connecticut being the others — that have separate athletic championships for public and private schools.

The bill, titled SB1214, will now be passed along to Rep. John Garza, R-San Antonio, who will propose it to the House for consideration. A majority vote by the House will be necessary for the bill to continue to the governor.

“I’m optimistic that we have the best chance ever,” Patrick said. “The parents of these school children pay school taxes like everyone else. They pay for their student’s private education, but they aren’t allowed to use (public school) facilities, and it’s not right. It’s a discrimination against Christian students.”

UIL opposition

For years, the proposal has been met with stern opposition by the Texas High School Coaches Association and the UIL, the governing body of extra-curricular programs for 1,300 schools in the state. As a result, Patrick tried to appease his political and coaching opponents by removing football and basketball from the bill.

Despite the alteration, UIL athletic director Mark Cousins, who was officially named to the position April 20, has not changed his stance about the inclusion of members from the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools, which has about 250 schools.

“I think you’ll find our member schools support (private school participation) rules as they are,” Cousins said.

The UIL amended its rules in 2003, granting Dallas Jesuit and Strake Jesuit membership after the schools were forced to sponsor independent athletic programs once the Texas Christian Interscholastic League folded in 2000.

In the UIL Constitution, it states “a Texas non-public school may apply for UIL membership in the largest conference (currently 5A)” provided they are accredited by the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission; they don’t qualify for membership for any organization similar of the league; and they have an established campus with permanent classrooms, one uniform mascot and color and an official in charge of all four grade levels.

Recruiting a concern

Strake Jesuit athletic director Bill McDonald said although there were challenges in the beginning, his programs adapted to the size of the schools and level of competition and deemed the transition a success.

Bellaire baseball coach Rocky Manuel disagreed with the bill, claiming private schools wouldn’t have to adhere to the same recruiting boundaries and would have “an unfair advantage.” But Patrick scoffed at the notion.

“Well, the schools will fall under the same rules that UIL has for public schools against recruiting, so that’s not a concern,” Patrick said.

Even if the bill is ratified, not all private schools plan to join the UIL. Houston Christian athletic director Rusty Rogers, whose program is in TAPPS Class 5A, said he likely wouldn’t join because his school’s mission doesn’t correspond with those of public schools.

“But in my casual talks among athletic directors in the state, I would still say a handful of larger private schools may make the jump,” he said.

didier.morais@chron.com