Sports Briefs

Football Coach Hired--Downey High School has chosen Gary Stempson to replace Brad Elrod as head football coach at the school. Stempson, 35, was an assistant coach on Elrod’s staff. He is a mathematics and computer instructor at the school. Elrod resigned to accept an assistant coaching position at Cerritos College.

Applications Reviewed--A campus committee is reviewing applications it has received for the vacant position of men’s head basketball coach at Rio Hondo College. Roadrunner Athletic Director Bill Stanley hopes to have the position filled by the middle of March. The part-time vacancy was created when Tom Dudgeon resigned just prior to the start of the 1984-85 season to enter private business. Stanley convinced Bob Bland, college coordinator of community services, who retired from the head basketball job two years ago, to return as interim coach this season. The Roadrunners posted one of their best finishes in recent years (18-12 overall)and wound up in third place in the Inland Valley Conference.

Biola Top Seeded in Playoffs--Biola College is the top seed in the NAIA District 3 men’s basketball playoffs, which begin tonight. The Eagles (26-3)host Cal Lutheran (8-24)at 7:30 p.m., with the winner advancing to semifinal action Saturday at Occidental College. Biola is ranked seventh nationally.