Northridge High Jumper Stripped of Title

Cal State Northridge sophomore Jerrick Holmes, who won the indoor high jump championship in March, was declared ineligible by the NCAA and had his title stripped Tuesday.

Northridge spokesman Ryan Finney said Holmes has been suspended for one calendar year and has not competed in a meet since March 22. Finney would not comment further, citing university privacy laws.

Athletic Director Dick Dull was out of town and unavailable for comment.

The NCAA also declared ineligible Julien Dunkley of East Carolina and Frank Tolen of Nebraska. No reason was given, but the action typically stems from violations ranging from a failed drug test, academic failures or questions regarding amateur status.

Dunkley won the 60-meter indoor title at the NCAA indoor meet in Fayetteville, Ark., and Tolen finished second in the long jump.

Holmes became the first Northridge male athlete to win a Division I track title when he jumped 7 feet, 3 3/4 inches to win the high jump. That title will be awarded to second-place finisher Adam Shunk of North Carolina.

“I don’t know why [Holmes] was disqualified, but if he was ineligible then he shouldn’t have been in the competition and Adam is the rightful champion,” North Carolina Coach Dennis Craddock said. The Matadors’ 20th place finish as a team, due to Holmes’ 10 points, is also removed.

In an unrelated move, the NCAA men’s soccer committee reprimanded Northridge players Brandon Esparza and Brian Phillips for their conduct during a brief melee following a loss to Loyola Marymount in the first round of the NCAA playoffs last November.

Esparza and Phillips, both defenders, aren’t expected to face further disciplinary action since both were seniors. The NCAA said Northridge must repay the transportation and per diem reimbursements for the two players.

-- Eric Stephens