Canyons Pitcher Cowan Signs With Northridge

Bobby Cowan, a right-handed pitcher from College of the Canyons, has signed a letter of intent to play next season at Cal State Northridge.

Cowan was Canyon’s No. 1 starter in the spring and finished 7-4 with an earned-run average of 3.40. In Western State Conference play, Cowan (6 feet 1, 190 pounds) was 5-1 with an ERA of 3.20 and earned first-team all-WSC honors.

As a junior at Saugus High in 1992, Cowan was a Times All-Valley selection. He was 12-2 with an ERA of 1.69 and had two saves.

Cowan is the fourth junior college player signed by the Matadors in the past week. He joins pitchers Brandon Nickens of Pierce and Nathan Rice of Sequoias, and outfielder Kurt Airoso of Sequoias.

Northridge previously signed junior college infielders Cesar Martinez of Pierce and Eric Cole of Antelope Valley.

Golf

Charlie Wi of Cal fired a one-over-par 73 Thursday to remain in the hunt for the individual title after the second round of the 98th NCAA Men’s Division I golf championship at Ohio State’s Scarlet Course in Columbus, Ohio.

Wi, a Westlake High graduate, trails co-leaders Chris Tidland of Oklahoma State and Chip Spratlin of Auburn by five shots with 36 holes to play. Wi is in a three-way tie for seventh at 143.

An afternoon rain delay forced play to be suspended because of darkness before the round was completed. Among the 45 players stranded was USC’s Chad Wright, a Buena High graduate who shot 71 in the first round.

Stanford, the defending team champion, shot a second-round 292 for a 36-hole total of 581, good for a two-shot lead over Oklahoma State. Cal is 10th at 587.

Stanford’s Jerry Chang, who played with Wi at Westlake, shot 76 for a two-day total of 147.

Boxing

An inspector with the State Athletic Commission said Thursday that boxer John Bray probably will be penalized for not fighting on last month’s card at the Warner Center Marriott.

Rob Lynch, the commission’s assistant chief inspector, said he only recently started his investigation, but added, “We’re probably going to suspend him.”

Peter Broudy, who has promoted club cards at the Marriott since last fall, said Bray signed a contract to fight King Ipitan in the main event on a show May 10. Bray backed out less than a week before the scheduled bout.

Bray’s handlers said their fighter had a valid medical excuse. Bray could not be reached for comment.

“If you sign a contract and your opponent signs that contract, too, then you are bound to the contract,” Lynch said.

Bray has a record of 13-2-1 with four knockouts as a professional.

Basketball

College of the Canyons basketball players Carlisa Hamagaki and Rebekah Cunnan have committed to play basketball at the University of South Florida and Sonoma State, respectively, said Canyons Coach Greg Herrick.

Hamagaki, a two-time All-WSC pick, averaged 15.2 points for the Cougars. She graduated from St. Genevieve High.

Cunnan averaged 18.8 points and was named WSC most valuable player as a freshman, but she injured her knee and missed most of last season.

Boys ages 8 to 13 can sign up for the Pro-Tech NBA Basketball Clinic in Burbank on June 19-22. The clinic will be directed by Burbank High Coach Jeff Davis and features Clipper forward Eric Piatkowski and assistant coach Barry Hecker. Information: 818 725-7988.

Volleyball

Royal High’s Eric Carlsen and Danny Rizzo were named co-most valuable players of the Marmonte League.

Highland’s Ryan Millar was named MVP of the Golden League.

* Contributing: Mike Bresnahan, Steve Elling, Jeff Fletcher, Dana Haddad, Mike Hiserman.