Aparicio Transfers to Calvary Chapel

Wrestler Tony Aparicio has transferred from Loara High to Calvary Chapel for his senior year, Loara Athletic Director Marty Johnson said Tuesday.

Aparicio was the Empire League champion last season at 135 pounds. He went on to win at the Southern Section Division III finals and in the section Masters championship, and finished third at the state finals. Aparicio was a Times’ all-county first-team selection.

Calvary Chapel has won seven section team titles and five state team titles in the 1990s.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Patrick Ceresa, regarded as a potential starter for the Cal State Fullerton basketball team before being ruled a nonqualifier by the NCAA recently, is transferring to a community college.

Titan Coach Bob Hawking said Ceresa, a 6-foot-8 power forward from Switzerland, will attend and play at Wabash Valley College in Mt. Carmel, Ill.

The NCAA ruled that Ceresa was “deficient in core classes” and ineligible this season on the Division-I level.

The Titans have added another foreign player to their roster, Hawking said. Daniel Thompson, a 6-5 freshman forward from Adelaide, Australia, is attending classes at Fullerton.

SOCCER

Andy Strouse has resigned as boys’ varsity soccer coach at Edison High.

Strouse, 29, an Edison alumnus and member of the 1992 U.S. national team, coached the Chargers for two seasons. They finished second last season in the Sunset League.

* Huntington Beach has hired Kevin Smith to coach boys’ soccer, Athletic Director Dave Van Hoorebeke said.

Smith coached at Fountain Valley from 1991-98. He won three Sunset League titles and led the Barons to two division finals. He is currently an assistant men’s soccer coach at Orange Coast College.

Smith replaces Shawn Bruckler, who took a teaching position at Mesa View Junior High in Huntington Beach.

LUNCHEON

Mighty Duck president and general manager, Pierre Gauthier, will speak at the monthly Sports Newsmakers Luncheon Tuesday at the Arrowhead Pond.

The luncheon, which begins at noon, is open to the public but reservations are suggested. Cost is $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Reservations can be made by calling (714) 758-0222.