Simonov Hired at Oaks Christian

Valeriy “Larry” Simonov, who helped train Olympic swimmers in Russia and has been directing Oaks Aquatics Academy in Thousand Oaks, has been hired as swimming coach at fledgling Oaks Christian High in Westlake Village.

Simonov, 42, was in charge of the Olympic Swimming Center in Kiev from 1981-92, training a number of Russian Olympic medalists. He came to the United States five years ago, settling in Simi Valley.

He will help oversee the development of Oaks Christian’s 50-meter Olympic-sized pool and swim stadium. The pool will be wired for electronic touch pads and have diving facilities.

Simonov said he hopes to build Oaks Christian’s programs into two of the best in Southern California.

“It’s absolutely a great location,” he said. “The facility is unique. We have everything to train Olympic-level swimmers in one place.”

SOCCER

* Erin Misaki of Portland, The Times’ 1998 girls’ regional player of the year at Hart High, has been selected a freshman All-American by Soccer Buzz magazine.

MOTOR SPORTS

* Billy Payne of Chatsworth finished 10th in the 125cc class at the AMA supercross opener Saturday night at Edison Field.

David Pingree of Menifee won the event.

Payne, 18, who is in his second supercross season with team Kawasaki, crashed with 10 laps remaining while in third place and fell to 16th. He placed third in an earlier heat.

BASEBALL

* Coach Rick Weber of Birmingham High said lights for the baseball field will not be installed until summer at the earliest.

Money has been approved for Birmingham to become the first City Section school in the Valley with a lighted baseball field.

* Scott Budner, who pitched for the San Francisco Giants and Baltimore Orioles, has been hired as pitching coach for the Lancaster JetHawks, replacing Steve Peck, who was reassigned to the Seattle Mariners’ double-A team in New Haven, Conn.