Bears’ Kramer to Speak to The Times’ All-Stars

Erik Kramer, quarterback for the Chicago Bears, will be the guest speaker at The Times’ annual high school football awards brunch today at the Warner Center Marriott in Woodland Hills.

Kramer, who attended St. Genevieve and Burroughs high schools, led Pierce College to a 10-1 record and a berth in the 1984 Potato Bowl. He went on to set several passing records at North Carolina State and was Atlantic Coast Conference player of the year in 1986.

Kramer is an eight-year NFL veteran who in 1991 helped steer the Detroit Lions to the NFC championship game.

A crowd of more than 200 is expected to attend the private awards ceremony honoring the 46 top players from the San Fernando Valley and Ventura County regions.

The Times announced its all-region teams on Wednesday. In the Valley, Notre Dame running back Justin Fargas is player of the year, Palmdale’s Matt Leonard is lineman of the year and Taft’s Sedric Hurns is back of the year. The top coaching staff is from Paraclete.

In Ventura County, Oxnard fullback and linebacker Chad Pierson is player of the year, Newbury Park’s Brian Crain is lineman of the year and Westlake’s Joey Cuppari is back of the year. The top coaching staff is from Moorpark.

SOCCER

Staying put: Pat Thompsen, an All-Mission League soccer player last season as a junior at Notre Dame, will remain in Denmark and not play for the Knights this season.

Bent Thompsen, Pat’s father, said his son, who played recently with the under-18 amateur team for Vejle in Denmark’s Premier League, is staying in Europe because he has a chance to make the club’s professional reserve team.

FYI

Tee it up: Pierce College’s baseball program will hold its annual Kokon Open golf tournament on Feb. 9 at 11 a.m. at Calabasas Country Club.

The tournament honors long-time area sportswriter Pete Kokon. All proceeds from the tournament go to the Pierce baseball program. Cost is $120. Information: (818) 716-8850.

Men in blue: The San Fernando Valley Softball Officials Assn. is seeking umpires for the high school softball season. Information: Kirk West at (818) 904-9050.