BRIEFLY : Northridge Plays Alumni Tonight

Cal State Northridge wraps up five weeks of spring football practice with a scrimmage against a group of alumni players tonight at 7 at North Campus Stadium. Admission is free.

Coach Bob Burt will make his debut, albeit informal. Burt was hired in January, replacing Tom Keele, who was fired after last season’s 4-7 record.

Among the top players CSUN has back from last year are quarterback Chris Parker, running backs Mike Kane and Richard Brown, wide receivers Kenneth Garrett, Charles Collins and Chris Moore, center Brian Clark, defensive lineman Scott McIntyre, linebacker Reggie Wauls and strong safety Kip Dukes.

Among the former players who are scheduled to take part in the game are Mike Pestana, Joe Barbosa, Pat Cerutti, Ron Foster, Simon Goss, Ray Oregel, Greg Willacker and Troy Rowan, who were all seniors last season.

Before the scrimmage, Northridge coaches will conduct a day-long coaching clinic. Members of the CSUN staff will be joined by guest instructors Tom Hernandez of San Fernando High, Lindon Crow of St. Genevieve, Dave Carson of Burbank, Mike Milner of Fountain Valley, Dick Larson of Damien, Mike Scarpace of Glendale College and Bill Williams of San Diego City College.

CSUN Athletes Honored

Ten Cal State Northridge athletes have been named members of the CSUN Varsity “N” Academic Honor Roll. To be eligible for the award, varsity athletes must maintain a 3.2 grade-point average.

Honored this year were Laura Bertussi (gymnastics), Dane Costley (track and cross-country), Tara Flanagan (women’s basketball), Michael Lanigan (track), Michael McAndrew (soccer), Jon McGihon (golf), Robert Malpasuto (golf), Cynthia Miller (volleyball), Beth Onestinghel (softball), and Elizabeth Sullivan (volleyball and track).

NOTABLE

James Faulk, a 6-3, 190-pound forward from Diablo Valley College, has signed a letter of intent to play basketball at Cal Lutheran.

The sophomore averaged 12 points and 7.5 rebounds a game last season and helped lead Diablo Valley into the state JC playoffs.

Funny car driver Tim Grose of Saugus, winner of February’s National Hot Rod Assn. Winternationals in Pomona, is considered one of the top contenders for this weekend’s NHRA Southern Nationals in Atlanta.

International Hot Rod Assn. funny car champion Dale Pulde of Granada Hills also is expected to make a run at today’s qualifying to make Sunday’s 16-car elimination field.

Three Delphic League baseball teams are ranked in the top 10 in the latest Southern Section Small Schools Division poll. Providence is ranked No. 1, Faith Baptist No. 8 and Crossroads No. 10.

Sports Digest was compiled by Heather Hafner.