UC IRVINE NOTES : Claremont Runner Signs; Four Others Could Follow

Claremont High distance runner Laura Monson has signed with UC Irvine, and Anteater Coach Vince O’Boyle hopes to sign as many as four more athletes.

Monson, who runs the mile and 3,200 meters, also visited Northern Arizona and canceled trips to Washington and Idaho.

Two other distance runners--Agoura’s Tiffany Burt and Escondido’s Michelle Cox--said Monday they have committed to Irvine and plan to sign in the next few days.

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Glendale Hoover volleyball player Scott Springborn has committed to Irvine.

Springborn, a 6-4 swing hitter, said he will join the team as a walk-on next season. Walk-on Chris Cote from San Diego University of San Diego and Greg Sternchak of Santa Margarita are Irvine’s other incoming recruits.

Springborn played on Irvine Coach Andy Read’s club team a year ago, before Read joined the Irvine staff. Springborn has missed the last month of the high school season with a broken right hand.

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Irvine Coach Rod Baker announced the signing of two junior college players--Chris Brown, a 6-2 guard from Bakersfield College, and Mark Odsather, a 6-7 forward from Bellevue (Wash.) College.

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Basketball players Jinelle Williams, Allah-mi Basheer and Davette Williams will try out for the U.S. Olympic Festival west team this weekend at Arizona.

They are among 170 players trying out for 12 spots on the west team, which will play in the festival this summer in San Antonio.