Wagner Returns, Is Reinstated by the Aztecs

In what might conclude the saga of running back Darrin Wagner, San Diego State Coach Al Luginbill announced Friday that Wagner will not transfer to Nebraska and has been reinstated by the Aztecs.

Wagner quit SDSU in November, and Nebraska Coach Tom Osborne said in statements that he would be welcomed as a walk-on. Wagner was The Times’ 1987 San Diego County back of the year for Lincoln but did not play for the Aztecs as a freshman.

According to Luginbill, Wagner returns to the team under certain restrictions and will redshirt in 1989.

“Darrin just needed to find out for himself that he had a good situation here at San Diego State,” Luginbill said. “But he is still on scholarship, and we’re very happy to have him back. As far as I’m concerned, this case is closed.”

Wagner said he was hesitant to go to Nebraska and was listening to what other people were telling him. “I’m just more comfortable at San Diego State,” he said. “This is my hometown, and this program is a Division I program that’s headed in the right direction. I want to be a part of it.”

Raymond Thompson, Crawford High School offensive lineman, has verbally committed to play football at Weber State.

At Crawford, the 6-foot-2, 239-pound nose guard, was named to the All-State Cal-Hi Sports team and All-City Central League first team.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Cal State San Bernardino overcame a 13-point second-half deficit with a 12-0 run midway through the second half to defeat UC San Diego, 96-89, at Triton Pavilion.

Freshman Rick Batt, starting for the first time in place of injured center Gordon McNeill, had 36 points on 15 of 22 shooting and 13 rebounds. UCSD (7-14) led, 48-40, at halftime.

CS San Bernardino (15-5) made all 20 of its second-half free throw attempts and 25 of 26. Gerald Duncan led CSSB with 33 points and Dave Webb added 21.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Beth Koenig scored a career high 22 points and point guard Nancy Caparaz had 11 points, 10 rebounds and 9 steals as UC San Diego defeated Cal State San Bernardino, 91-74, at Triton Pavilion.

Tracy Ragatz added 19 points for UCSD (14-4) which set a school record with its eighth consecutive victory.

WOMEN’S TENNIS

The University of San Diego opened play at the Arizona Invitational in Tucson with a 8-1 victory over 23rd-ranked Mississippi State.

The Toreras swept five of six singles matches, and Mississippi Sttae defaulted three doubles matches. USD plays a semifinal against host Arizona today.

Point Loma Nazarene College defeated visiting University of LaVerne, 8-1, in its opening nonconference match.