Some Differences Arise Over Camp

Although the logistics of moving training camp from Westwood to Thousand Oaks were a challenge, training at Cal Lutheran did not add significant costs for the Bruins.

UCLA is paying Cal Lutheran about $60,000 for use of two practice fields, dormitories and meals for eight days. The Bruin football program has paid UCLA a similar sum in previous years for the same services.

“It’s pretty much a wash,” said Randy Taylor, director of football operations.

The windfall for Cal Lutheran, an NCAA Division III program, is substantial, although Kingsmen football coaches were miffed at not being informed by university officials about the arrangement with UCLA.

Cal Lutheran begins training camp Sunday, one day after the Bruins leave, and the coaches are concerned about the wear and tear on the practice fields. Also, the cash paid by UCLA is not necessarily earmarked for the Kingsmen football program.

UCLA coaches and officials hope the differences are resolved. They would like to return to Cal Lutheran for at least one more year because renovations on the locker rooms and other facilities at the Acosta Center are scheduled to take place next summer and fall.

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Wait or weight, it all spelled frustration for Pat Norton the last two years.

The fullback from Newhall Hart High redshirted in 2000 and played behind seniors Matt Stanley and Ed Ieremia-Stansbury last season, making fewer carries (five) than mental mistakes (more than can be counted on one hand).

Meanwhile, he plummeted from an ungainly 290 pounds to 230 while redshirting, then inched back to 245 last season after feeling weak.

Now he is up to 260 pounds, which feels just right. So does his role, which is primarily to open holes for tailbacks Akil Harris and Manuel White.

“I had a great spring, I’m at my prime weight, I’m healthy and, most of all, I’m learning the plays,” Norton said.

During his infrequent appearances last season, he was so intent on making a strong impression that he would often ignore his assignment and hit the first defender he saw.

“I’d get excited, forget the play and just hit people,” he said. “Now I’ve calmed down.”

He also feels comfortable in the huddle because he has earned the respect of quarterback Cory Paus and offensive coordinator Kelly Skipper.

“It’s easier to talk to Coach Skipper because now I actually know what I’m talking about with him,” Norton said.

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Training at Cal Lutheran brings back childhood memories for receiver Ryan Smith and tight end Mike Seidman. But they are memories of the blacktop and hardwood, not the gridiron.

Smith, who grew up in Thousand Oaks before moving to Texas at 15, and Seidman, who is from nearby Westlake Village, were teammates in three-on-three basketball tournaments at Cal Lutheran as eighth graders.

The third member of their team, Kevin Howard, also blossomed in a sport other than basketball, starring as a third baseman at Miami the last three years before signing with the Cincinnati Reds this summer.

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Ken Pritchett, a fifth-year senior from Crescenta Valley High, has left the team. Pritchett had eight carries for 34 yards and had one reception in his career.