Brethren Christian’s Simpson Is Honored

Michael Simpson of Anaheim has been named California’s Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award winner by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Okla.

The award is based on athletic, academic and community achievement. It is named for the 1984 Olympic wrestling champion, who was murdered in 1996.

Simpson, who wrestled at 125 pounds for Brethren Christian High and will attend Arizona State in the fall, was 227-19 during his high school career, including 57-0 last season, winning the second of consecutive state titles.

BASKETBALL

David Friedman has been hired as boys’ basketball coach at Pacifica High, principal John Johnson said.

Friedman played at Cal State Dominguez Hills and has been an assistant varsity coach at Manhattan Beach Mira Costa.

He was named to replace Bob Becker, who was fired in May after seven years. Under Becker, Pacifica won a Southern Section title and appeared in a state final in 1994, and was 137-65 overall.