Times Wrestler of Year Simpson Picks Arizona

Brethren Christian’s Mike Simpson, The Times’ Orange County wrestler of the year last season, has signed a letter of intent to attend Arizona, Brethren Christian Athletic Director Marcella Flippin said.

Simpson won the state title at 119 pounds as a junior. Teammate Steve Garcia, who was second at the state finals at 130 pounds last year, has signed with Oregon. Garcia was also a Times all-county first-team selection last season.

VOLLEYBALL

The men’s volleyball team at Long Beach State has obtained commitments from two-time all-county outside hitter Jeff Wootton and his Marina teammate, Rob Kijewski.

Marina boys’ volleyball Coach Darrick Lucero announced the commitments. Wootton, 6-feet-2, and Kijewski, 6-3, helped Marina win consecutive Sunset League titles.

* Tim Layton, a 6-6 outside hitter from Whittier Christian, signed with Brigham Young, Sunset Beach Volleyball Club Coach Roger Jocson said.

SOFTBALL

Leslie Simien of Laguna Hills has signed to play softball at UC Santa Barbara, her mother, Denyce, said.

Simien, an outfielder, was a first-team Times All-Orange County selection. She batted .510 last season with 42 stolen bases and 29 runs.

* Steffany Stenglein, a first baseman/pitcher at Marina, committed to Southern Mississippi, said her father, Don Stenglein.

Stenglein batted .272 for Marina, and was 5-2 with a 1.81 earned-run average in 46 1/3 innings pitched.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Chris Klosterman of Cypress College has signed a letter of intent to play baseball with the University of Houston. The utility player batted .345 in 27 games last season.