World League Drafts Laufenberg, Pringle

Babe Laufenberg, a former Crespi High and Pierce College quarterback who has been dropped from rosters nine times by five NFL teams, has found opportunity knocking again.

The Ohio Glory made Laufenberg its first choice in Tuesday’s World League of American Football draft, the second overall selection. “We feel it’s very important to get someone with experience to build our team around,” said Larry Little, the expansion team’s coach.

Laufenberg last played in the NFL in 1990 with the Dallas Cowboys. The highlight of his career came in 1988 when he started the first six games for the San Diego Chargers. Laufenberg, 32, also has spent time with the Washington Redskins, New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs.

Another player with area ties who is getting another chance in professional football via the WLAF is Mike Pringle. The former Kennedy High standout--Cal State Fullerton’s No. 2 all-time leading rusher--was the Sacramento Surge’s second-round choice.

“I’m glad Sacramento chose me because I love playing in California,” said Pringle, the 13th overall selection and the first running back picked. “It’s close to my family and friends. I feel I play (better) where I’m most comfortable, and I’m definitely comfortable in this area.”

Pringle’s NFL career has been limited to two 1990 games with the Atlanta Falcons, who released him before the 1991 season.

He returned to his Mission Hills home and kept working out, trying to maintain a schedule similar to that of the Falcons. Pringle, 24, also had one-day tryouts with several NFL teams, including the Raiders in November and Green Bay Packers in December, but was not signed.

“After that, I was evaluating what I should do and thought I should go to the World League because I haven’t been in contact (hitting),” Pringle said. “This will keep me fresh for the NFL season later on.”