Rhyme and Reason for Matadors to Hire Redell

A smorgasbord of notes, quotes and opinions from across the San Fernando Valley and its surrounding communities:

St. Francis High Coach Bill Redell gets my endorsement to be the next football coach at Cal State Northridge, and here’s why:

He’s the only prep coach in region history to guide a team to the Southern Section Division I championship.

He manages a $10 million budget as chief executive officer of Bolton Company, a Pasadena insurance firm. He’s a top administrator who knows how to delegate duties and pick top talent. Many of his former football assistants have gone on to become successful head coaches.

Northridge has one of the worst graduation rates of any football program in the nation and Redell’s track record is clear. His three sons graduated from Stanford, UCLA and the Air Force Academy.

He’s 56, lives in Westlake Village and isn’t looking to use the Northridge job as a springboard to another coaching position. He’ll bring stability and credibility to the Matador program. He acts as comfortable in a three-piece suit as he does wearing a whistle and shorts.

It’s up to Northridge administrators to show some boldness and take a chance. They won’t regret it. . . .

Quarterback Erik Kramer of the Chicago Bears, a graduate of Burroughs High who lives in Agoura Hills, was guest speaker on Saturday at The Times’ high school football awards brunch. There are few athletes who have overcome adversity quite like him.

He didn’t play quarterback his senior year at Burroughs. He wasn’t recruited by any colleges out of high school. He wasn’t drafted out of college. He was cut by several NFL teams. He suffered a career-threatening knee injury. But each time, he persevered and beat the odds.

“I’ve been on the brink many times of playing my last game,” he said.

It’s his value system that has made him a survivor.

“The values you have will help shape the choices you make,” he said. “They say football builds character. Football doesn’t build character. It reveals character. You have to demonstrate the quality of your character in the face of adversity.”

He said if a person wants to do something, “exhaust every effort” in trying. . . .

The Jefferson County, Colo., school district has sold naming rights for its high school sports stadium to US West Communications Inc. for $2 million.

Taft High should try to sell its stadium name rights to GTE just so Sylvania will supply light bulbs for the Toreadors’ antiquated stadium lighting system. . . .

Get ready for high school offensive linemen filling up their arms next fall with Vaseline. That’s what has been happening in the NFL this season, and trends usually filter down to the prep level. Of course, it’s illegal.

Three Denver Bronco linemen were fined $5,000 this week for having a slippery substance on their arms. What’s the punishment at the prep level? A 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against the coach, according to John Pemberton, state rule interpreter. . . .

The high school basketball player with the best name is sophomore Jordan Johnson of Crespi. Former Crespi coach Pat Yerina said, “If this guy ever plays up to the ability of his two names, he’d be the best player in school history.” . . .

The San Fernando-Cleveland basketball rivalry resumes on Wednesday at 4 p.m. at San Fernando. Last month, San Fernando won, 76-70. The intensity of players and coaches was amazing. This second meeting should be just as entertaining. . . .

Alemany plays at Harvard-Westlake in a Mission League girls’ basketball showdown Tuesday at 7 p.m. The Wolverines are heavy favorites, but don’t ever bet against a Melissa Hearlihy-coached team. . . .

“Put a fork in them.” That was the word spreading on the Burbank boys’ basketball team. With a 3-11 record and star guard Juni Williams academically ineligible, the Bulldogs were finished. Then came their upset victory over rival Burroughs on Friday night in their Foothill League opener. Give credit to a coach, Ron Quarterman, and a bunch of players who refused to quit. . . .

Remember the name Ryan Mollins. He’s a 6-foot-4 sophomore guard at Loyola High. He’s the best player the Cubs have had in the last five years who isn’t named Bailey. . . .

Crespi volleyball player Kevin Scully won $100 for making a half-court shot during halftime of Friday’s basketball game against Loyola. . . .

Poly’s baseball team has a top freshman pitcher, 6-1 Abraham Gonzales.

“He could be the best pitcher I’ve had by the time he graduates,” Coach Chuck Schwal said. . . .

One of the most impressive young hitters this winter has been Chaminade sophomore outfielder Ryan Soroka.

Forget that’s he only 5-6 and weighs 135 pounds. “He’s got the best swing of any young kid I’ve seen in years,” Coach Scott Drootin said. . . .

Crespi junior pitcher Tim Leveque made an impressive winter debut when he struck out all six batters he faced last month. His weight is down to 195 pounds from 220. . . .

People in the Valley are stepping forward to help Cal State Northridge’s athletic program with financial donations. Elizabeth Shapiro, a Northridge resident and the mother of UCLA volleyball player Tom Stillwell, wrote out a check for $1,000 to the Matador men’s volleyball team. . . .

Pete Kokon, 84, has covered high school and local sports for more than 60 years. He will be honored at the Kokon Open golf tournament Feb. 9 at 11 a.m. at Calabasas Country Club. Cost is $125. The tournament benefits Pierce College’s baseball program. Information: (818) 716-8850.

Eric Sondheimer’s local column appears Wednesday and Sunday. He can be reached at (818) 772-3422.