Character Counts for School

El Camino Real High was selected the school that best exemplifies the principles of pursuing victory with honor as part of the Character Counts program operated by the Los Angeles Unified School District and the City Recreation and Parks Department.

Principal Ron Bauer of El Camino Real will accept the award at a dinner May 14 in the City of Commerce.

Awards will be given in seven categories: player, coach, official, school, administrator, parent and spectator. The winners were chosen because they exemplify good sportsmanship.

Among the honorees are retiring football coach Joel Schaeffer of Reseda and athlete Nickardo Beckford of Cleveland.

SWIMMING

* Freshman Ian Prichard, a Buena High graduate and The Times’ Valley/Ventura County boys’ swimmer of the year in 2000, was named most valuable swimmer for the Virginia men’s team.

GOLF

* Mike Lopata of West Hills shot 66-64--130 to win the Vice-President Flight in the 67th annual Southern California Golf Assn. Amateur Net Championship at Desert Princess Country Club in Cathedral City.

Joseph J. Shea of Moorpark totaled 60-64--124 to win the Treasurer Flight at Cimarron Golf Resort in Cathedral City.