FOOTBALL

Two football standouts from Los Alamitos High have made their college decisions, Griffin Coach John Barnes said Friday.

Defensive tackle Michael Patterson chose USC. Defensive back Steve Shinen is headed to Portland State.

Patterson, 6 feet and 275 pounds, was named to The Times’ Orange County first team after taking part in 78 tackles, including six sacks and 16 others for losses, and forcing three fumbles last season. He also considered Oregon, Arizona State and Colorado State.

Shinen, 6-2 and 183, was a second-team all-county selection after intercepting seven passes and making 11 tackles for losses. He also punted and played wide receiver, catching 39 passes for 653 yards.

Griffin offensive tackle Ian Reynoso previously committed to Oregon.

* Mater Dei defensive lineman Steve Armstrong, a first-team All-Serra League selection, has committed to Northern Arizona, Monarch Coach Bruce Rollinson said. Mater Dei linebacker Ian Gunderman and fullback Grant Melton are also headed to Northern Arizona.

HORSE RACING

A Ransom, owned by Kathie and John Bobenrieth of Costa Mesa, has been voted 2000 world champion by the American Quarter Horse Assn.

Los Alamitos Race Course owner Edward C. Allred was selected champion owner and champion breeder. Separate Ways, which Allred owns, was named best broodmare for the year. Other local winners include best three-year-old gelding, Chicks First Policy, owned by Martha F. Wells of Orange, and best two-year-old filly, Secret Card, owned by the Dutch Masters III syndicate of Anaheim.

A Ransom was also named the nation’s best aged champion and champion aged gelding. A Ransom won all five races he entered, including the Champion of Champions at Los Alamitos in December. The horse’s 2000 winnings were $380,393 and lifetime earnings are $445,276.

Eighty-three AQHA Racing Committee members and seven media representatives made the annual selections.