Price Takes Severance Deal from Northridge

John Price’s 12-year tenure as Cal State Northridge’s men’s volleyball coach officially came to an end Friday when he accepted a severance package from the school.

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed, and Price does have the option of returning as coach of the Matadors if the school revives the program with bailout funds that may be headed its way.

“As long as they bring it back I have the option of coming back,” said Price, a finalist to become women’s volleyball coach at Cal State Bakersfield, where he interviewed Wednesday. A decision on that job is expected next week.

“The emotional side of me wants to stay [at Northridge] and fight to save the program,” Price said. “[But] the logical thing is probably to move on.”

Northridge’s effort to revive men’s volleyball and baseball--at least for another season--could take a step toward fruition next week if the Northridge Corp. agrees to grant the university a loan.

Ronald Kopita, the school vice president who oversees athletics, said Friday the corporation board will consider a $586,000 loan to athletics at a meeting Thursday.

The loan would be repaid later this year after the state budget, which includes a bailout for CSUN sports, passes in the state legislature and is signed by the governor.

The money may be available through the corporation, Kopita said, because of an agreement reached Friday to turn over operation of the student bookstore.

The deal with Follett’s, a company that runs more than 500 university bookstores, is expected to generate more than $1 million annually compared to the $280,000 profit the past school year.

BASEBALL

Kevin Howard of Westlake High had one hit in three at-bats, but the USA Baseball Youth Team lost to Cuba, 11-4, Friday at the International Baseball Assn. AA Youth World Championships in Taipei, Taiwan. The loss knocked the U.S. out of medal contention. The U.S. will meet Brazil this morning, needing a victory to advance to the fifth-place game Sunday.

ATHLETICS

Saugus High has named Bill Bolde, a former varsity assistant coach, as its athletic director. Bolde replaces Joe Stadum, who has accepted a teaching position in Northern California.