NOTEBOOK / GARY KLEIN : Suspect Charged in Murder of Former Covina Athlete

Burial services were held Monday for Leo Asoau, a former standout athlete at Covina High who died Aug. 14 in a shooting incident.

Asoau, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound linebacker, was a Times All-San Gabriel Valley selection last year after he was named lineman of the year in the Valle Vista League.

Asoau had received a scholarship to play football at Washington State this season and was killed a week before he was scheduled to leave for Pullman, Wash.

Salvador Michael Camarillo, 19, has been charged with murder and assault with a firearm in the case. He will be arraigned Tuesday.

Covina Coach Dick Sheehan said players at the school are coping with the tragedy.

“They’re doing OK,� Sheehan said. “It’s obviously been the worst start to football anyone can imagine. I just think it’s a situation where the best thing is to get the kids into football itself, get them running around out there and doing things.�

Donations to a memorial fund in Asoau’s name can be sent in care of Renae Zangenberg at California State Bank, 100 N. Barranca St., West Covina, 91791.

*

San Gabriel Valley high school football teams began workouts this week in preparation for the season, which will begin Sept. 8.

Today is the first day that players are allowed to practice in pads.

Bishop Amat is the top-rated team in the area. A national panel of sportswriters recently selected the Lancers as the nation’s No. 1 team in a preseason poll.

*

Registration will begin Tuesday for the city of Duarte Parks and Recreation Department’s youth flag football and volleyball seasons.

Cost is $15. Information: (818) 357-7931.

*

The city of Claremont is accepting registration for its Southern California Municipal Athletic Federation co-ed slow-pitch softball tournament that is scheduled to begin Sept. 10.

All teams in SCMAF-sponsored leagues are eligible to participate.

Registration is $125 a team. Information: (909) 399-5495.

*

A golf tournament sponsored by the San Gabriel Chamber of Commerce is scheduled to be played Sept. 14 at Brookside Golf Course.

The $100 cost includes green fee, a cart and dinner.

Information: (818) 576-2525.

*

A benefit golf tournament and banquet sponsored by the Hispanic American Police Command Officers Assn. is scheduled to be played Sept. 30 at Alhambra Municipal Golf Course.

Entry is $70 and includes golf, cart, dinner and prizes. Proceeds will benefit the organization’s scholarship fund for graduating high school seniors.

Information: (213) 894-1065.

*

The Foothill-Citrus Officials Assn. is seeking people interested in becoming football officials for the upcoming high school season.

Officials must be available to work games played at 3:15 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays.

Information: (818) 964-9445.

*

A slow-pitch softball league for players age 50 and older is being organized by the West Covina Senior Center.

Games will be played Wednesday evenings and there is no fee for participation.

Information: (818) 331-5366.

*

The First Team Adult Soccer League is seeking coaches who are interested in teaching the fundamentals of the game to adult beginners and novice players.

Information: (818) 337-6157.