SPORTS NOTEBOOK : 49ers’ Coach Promises to Stay Out of Foul Trouble

Joe Harrington, coach of the Cal State Long Beach men’s basketball team, has promised that he will not receive another technical foul this season.

Harrington was called for two technicals in recent successive games against New Mexico State and UC Santa Barbara for repeatedly screaming and cursing at the officials.

“It’s not helping us, and I’m making a fool of myself,” said Harrington, who said he will donate $1,000 to charity if he gets another technical.

Harrington behaved well during the 49ers’ 83-73 victory over North Carolina Charlotte at the Long Beach Arena on Monday night. Center Mike Masucci picked up Long Beach’s only technical in that game.

The 49ers, 14-7, will play host to UC Irvine at 7:30 tonight in the university gym.

Honoring a Teammate: Millikan High School basketball player Pat Thacker is honoring Ibn Maddred, his injured teammate, by wearing Maddred’s uniform.

Maddred, a senior, broke his foot during Millikan’s second-to-last game of the regular season against Wilson High. Thacker, a junior, scored 30 points against Wilson and had 25 in Maddred’s uniform last Friday against Compton.

Handicapped Little Leaguers: Little League is starting a new Challenger Division to give youngsters with physical and mental disabilities the chance to play baseball.

Five teams are being formed in the Long Beach, Lakewood and Bellflower areas. Prospective players are encouraged by league officials to sign up, and volunteers are needed to serve as managers and coaches. Those interested may call 429-8073 or 489-0458.