O.C. Runner, Volleyball Player Are Academic All-Americans

Johann Appell, a senior distance runner at Long Beach State, and Ed Ratledge, a senior volleyball player at UCLA, were named Tuesday to the 1999-2000 GTE Academic All-America men’s spring at-large team.

Appell, formerly of Estancia High and Orange Coast College, and Ratledge, a Fountain Valley High graduate, had earlier received academic All-American honors for a second consecutive year in the men’s District VIII university division.

Appell’s grade-point average is 4.0 and he is studying kinesiology and physical education. Ratledge has a 3.5 GPA in psychology.

Appell finished fourth at the Big West outdoor track & field championships in the 1,500-meter run. Ratledge helped UCLA to a 29-5 record and the NCAA championship with 4.8 kills per game.

BASKETBALL

Russell McClurg, who guided the girls’ basketball team at Calvary Chapel to the last three section finals, including a championship in 1999, has resigned.

McClurg, whose record over six years was 106-59, said Tuesday he wanted to pursue coaching opportunities, probably as an assistant, at a larger school.

“If I’m going to take off, now’s a good time to do it,” said McClurg, who added that “a lack of support” from some parents had a role in his decision.

“Some didn’t agree with my philosophy,” he said. “I’ve also wanted to try something different.”

The Eagles, who finished second in the Olympic League, were 19-9 last season.

Century High will host the 16-team Reebok/Intense City boys’ basketball tournament this weekend.

Fifteen county teams will participate, along with Downey, in the three-day event, which begins at 9 a.m. Friday.

Semifinals will be at 7:15 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. Saturday, and the championship game is 4 p.m. Sunday. Adult admission is $3; children under 12 are free.

Friday’s first-round games: 10 a.m.--Orange Lutheran vs. La Habra; 11 a.m.--Calvary Chapel vs. Servite; noon--Century vs. Pacifica; 1 p.m.--Marina vs. Orange; 2 p.m.--Tustin vs. Magnolia; 3 p.m.--Cypress vs. University; 4:15 p.m.--Loara vs. Foothill; 5:15 p.m.--Downey vs. El Modena.

FOOTBALL

John Van Lant, an offensive lineman at Fullerton High and a second-team all-county selection last season, has signed to play at Colorado State, Fullerton Coach Julian Smilowitz said.

The 6-4, 270-pound Van Lant has been selected to play in the Orange County All-Star game July 14 at Orange Coast College.

SWIMMING

Becky Yamano has resigned her position as coach of the boys’ and girls’ swim teams at Northwood High, Athletic Director Rick Curtis said.

Yamano, who left Woodbridge to coach the Wolverines, led the first-year girls’ varsity program and the boys’ frosh-soph team. Northwood will field varsity boys’ and girls’ squads next season.

BOXING

The TKO Boxing Club and the Downtown Santa Ana Business Assn. will hold an amateur boxing show beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday in a parking lot at Third and Bush streets in Santa Ana.

Approximately 25 boxing clubs from throughout Southern California and Las Vegas will participate. The event will also feature women’s bouts, and “outstanding boxer” awards will be presented in junior and senior divisions.

Admission is free. For more information, call (714) 825-0073.

BASEBALL

The Major League Scouting Bureau will hold a tryout camp for players ages 16-25 on June 24 at Fullerton College.

There is no charge to participate in the camp, but players should bring their own equipment and uniform. For more information, call (909) 980-1881.