Vargas Not Worried by Campas

Fernando Vargas of Oxnard predicts an easy victory over Yory Boy Campas. But he might have to wait.

Vargas, a former U.S. Olympian ranked No. 1 as a junior-middleweight by the International Boxing Federation, likely will fight a tuneup in December before meeting Campas in January for Campas’ title.

Vargas, training in Big Bear, is undefeated in 14 fights. Campas is 72-2.

“The Campas fight is going to be an easy one,” Vargas said. “Yory Boy is tired. He’s been in too many wars. After a while that takes a toll on you. I’ll beat him because I’m stronger, tougher and more intelligent.”

Bout changed: Gabriel Ruelas of Sylmar, scheduled to fight James Leija in a 10-round lightweight bout Oct. 24 at Atlantic City, will instead fight John Brown, a former United States Boxing Assn. junior-lightweight champion.

Brown is 18-5 with nine knockouts. Ruelas, 45-4 with 24 knockouts, lost his IBF title in 1994 to Leija, who sustained a rib injury in training.

On the same card, Robert Garcia of Oxnard, undefeated in 30 fights, will defend his IBF junior-lightweight title for the first time against No. 1 contender Ramon Ledon.

FOOTBALL

Unlucky break: Crescenta Valley High quarterback Scott Vossmeyer is out for three weeks because of a broken left ankle.

Vossmeyer, a junior, earned the starting job after platooning with Seth Santoro. In his first start, Vossmeyer completed seven of 12 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns in a 38-15 victory over La Canada on Oct. 24. He broke his ankle in the third quarter.

Decision delayed: The district attorney’s office in Washoe County (Nev.) has asked the University of Nevada Police Department to supply additional information before making a decision on whether to file charges against former Hart High quarterback David Neill.

Neill, a freshman, was suspended from Nevada’s team after his arrest Tuesday on felony charges of fraudulent use of a telephone credit card.

BASKETBALL

Hoops hysteria: Matador Madness, featuring an introduction to Cal State Northridge’s 1998-99 men’s and women’s basketball teams and a scrimmage by the men’s squad, is scheduled for Monday at Northridge.

The event will begin at 9 p.m. with a barbecue and continue at 10 p.m. with games, contests and gift giveaways in the Northridge gym.

Admission to Matador Madness is free. Information: (818) 677-2683.

CROSS-COUNTRY

Revamped race: The Santa Clarita Valley Invitational has been moved from College of the Canyons to lower Castaic Lake on Saturday because Canyons will host Hancock in a football game at 7 that night.

SOCCER

A real Pioneer: Willie Ruiz, a former Simi Valley High and Cal Lutheran player, has been hired as boys’ soccer coach at Simi Valley.

Ruiz, 27, replaces Rob Looyen, who resigned to devote more time to an off-campus job. Ruiz holds Cal Lutheran career records with 58 goals and 144 points.

WRESTLING

Heading north: Defending state champion Moorpark College defeated Cypress, 41-9, in its Western State Conference opener Wednesday.

The Raiders (7-2) will travel to Saratoga on Saturday for the West Valley tournament, which traditionally attracts the best teams in the state. Moorpark placed first in the tournament last season.

VOLLEYBALL

Commitment: Granada Hills middle blocker Michelle Ferrucci has commited to Oregon, Highlander Coach Patti Leiblie said.

Ferrucci, a four-year varsity starter, was selected All-City Section as a junior after helping Granada Hills to the 4-A Division quarterfinals.

TENNIS

Promotion: Northridge women’s tennis Coach Gary Victor has been appointed the school’s director of tennis, and will coach the men’s program scheduled to begin competition in the fall of 1999.

Victor, who was boys’ and girls’ coach at Alemany from 1996-97, guided the Matador women to a 17-6 record last season.