Califf Signs Professional Contract
Danny Califf, a former Times all-county player from Orange High, has left Maryland after two seasons to sign a professional contract with Project-40, which is Major League Soccer and U.S. Soccer’s development program aimed at giving young professionals increased international experience.
Califf, a defender on the U.S. under-20 team, was a third-team All-American for Maryland last year. Califf started all 44 games in two seasons with the Terrapins, who reached the Final Four in 1998. Todd Durbin, a managing director of Project-40, said Califf’s MLS assignment will be announced later.
CROSS-COUNTRY
Mike Murray, a junior cross-country and track runner at UC Irvine, has transferred to Mount St. Mary’s College in Emmitsburg, Md.
Murray, who attended Santa Margarita High School, is the Big West Conference’s defending champion in the 800 meters. He finished 10th in the conference’s cross-country meet in November.
Murray said he left because of academic reasons.
“Coming from a small Catholic high school and jumping into a huge public university was not the best move for me,” Murray said.
FOOTBALL
Orange Lutheran wide receiver Ryan Nath and offensive tackle Jason Talmage have committed to Weber State, Lancer Coach Jim Kunau said.
Nath had 48 receptions for 1,041 yards and led Orange County with 20 touchdown receptions.
Talmage is 6 feet 5 and 255 pounds.
* Two Los Alamitos players have announced their college choices, Griffin Coach John Barnes said. Linebacker Paul Publico, the Sunset League’s defensive player of the year, has committed to UC Davis and offensive lineman Jeff Jacques has received an appointment to the Naval Academy.
* Troy tight end Mark Ahlberg has committed to Washington State, Warrior Coach John Turek said.
Ahlberg caught 38 passes for 555 yards and five touchdowns.
* Running back Ryan Switzer of El Toro has committed to play football at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Charger football Coach Mike Milner said. Switzer averaged 5.9 yards a carry.
* Brea Olinda running back Kenny Washington has committed to Oregon, his mother, Darlene Young, said.
Washington, finished with 2,132 yards rushing and was the Orange League’s Most Valuable Player.
