Former Van Nuys Kicker Cortez Signs With Browns

Jose Cortez, a former kicker at Van Nuys High and Valley College and an All-Pacific 10 Conference pick at Oregon State the last two years, has signed as a free agent with the Cleveland Browns.

BASEBALL

* Cal Baptist forfeited a nonconference baseball game Friday at Cal State Northridge because of a lack of transportation, a school administrator said.

“We just didn’t have enough vans available,” said Jerry King, athletic director at Cal Baptist.

Cal Baptist is scheduled to play three games today at Biola, a doubleheader and a game rescheduled because of rain. King said the schedule did not influence the forfeiture.

“We were willing to go and play the game,” King said. “It’s just one of those things.”

CROSS-COUNTRY

* Jim Ortiz, who was hired as the girls’ cross-country coach at Simi Valley High earlier this year, has resigned.

Ortiz, who replaced Roger Evans, said his decision was based on the fact that it appeared unlikely he would become a full-time teacher at the school.

“I just didn’t want to leave [the athletes] in the lurch a month before the season if a full-time job came up at another school,” said Ortiz, who currently works as a substitute teacher.

A replacement has yet to be selected.

FISHING

* The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation’s 27th annual youth fishing derby is scheduled for May 1 at three lakes in Apollo County Park, adjacent to Fox Airfield, in Lancaster.

Free registration will be taken beginning at 6 a.m. the day of the event, which is for kids 5 through 15.

No fishing license is required, but participants must provide their own equipment and bait. There will be a five-fish limit per person.

Competition for the heaviest fish will be divided into four age groups. Information: (661) 259-1750.