DIGEST : Boosters Give CSUN Vote of Confidence

In a letter forwarded to the president of the university, the Cal State Northridge Athletic Assn. has given a show of support to the school’s athletic department, which has been under fire in recent weeks by some members of the football team and Black Student Union.

The Northridge booster group commended Bob Hiegert, athletic director, and Judith Brame, senior associate athletic director, in a letter sent to Northridge President Blenda Wilson.

Gary Gray, president of the athletic association, said the board of directors was concerned that recent publicity surrounding the athletic program could have a negative effect on fund-raising and recruiting.

“Ever since the move was made to Division I, there’s been a lot of work done out there,” Gray said. “With all the press and the negative impact it has generated, we’re concerned about recruiting.

“We’re not pointing fingers at any factions. We want to let the university know we’re happy with the job they are doing and the progress that has been made. We don’t want that to erode now.

“We believe the people there are working very hard for the student-athletes. But we don’t want people to think we’re strictly pro administration.”

High School Football

Moorpark High will end a tumultuous week tonight when it plays host to Bishop Diego at 7:30. Bishop Diego is a nonleague opponent--good news for a coach who is worried about how his team will handle having been put under a microscope by the school district.

The team was the subject of a Moorpark school board investigation, which reached the boiling point Tuesday night when players, coaches and parents clashed with trustees at a board meeting.

Football supporters lashed out at the trustees and called for the resignation of board president Pam Castro after a probe to uncover illegal transfers and other improprieties was unsuccessful.

The board announced that it had found no violations of Southern Section rules and dropped the case.

“The kids pick up on our feelings,” Coach Rob Dearborn said. “And this has been hard for me. Everybody has a right to ask questions and do investigations. But I was upset by the way this was handled.”

The team, with three transfers in the offensive backfield, is 3-1-1 and has won as many games this season as in the past two combined.

Basketball

Coach Philip Mathews and the Ventura College men’s basketball team will hold a midnight practice tonight at the school’s gym.

There will be a tailgate party in the parking lot at 11 p.m. and door prizes. Admission is free.

Information: 805-654-6400.

Miscellany

The Ojai Valley Run ‘n Ride has been scheduled for Oct. 31 at Lake Casitas. The event will include a 5K and 10K run, a 15- and 25-mile bicycle ride, and a 5.5-, 11- and 16.5-mile mountain bike challenge.

The event is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Ojai with proceeds benefiting local and world-wide charitable organizations.

Information: 805-646-6195.