Chargers Add to Backfield With Fullerton Free Agent

Eric Franklin, a Cal State Fullerton running back, signed as a free agent with the Chargers Friday. Franklin (5-feet 11-inches, 190 pounds) played high school football at Santa Ana.

Franklin, 23, rushed for only 47 yards in his junior season at Fullerton but gained 905 last season. He ended his career at Fullerton with five consecutive 100-yard games.

Corey Gilmore, a former San Diego State running back, has signed as a free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles. Gilmore, who was the starting fullback on the Aztecs’ Western Athletic Conference championship team in 1986, was signed and then cut during preseason last year by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

EQUESTRIAN

Southmark Leisure Inc. is sponsoring a North American Trial Ride-sanctioned competition at Warner Springs Ranch on May 7 and 8. The event is open to all equestrians who have pre-registered, and it will be divided into four divisions: novice, open, competitive pleasure and junior. The ride will be limited to the first 60 entrants. For information, call Kathleen Stardig or Virginia Van Camp at 1-800-634-3598.