Sports shorts
Football Bagwell rushes 14 yards in NFL debut
Former California University of Pa. All-American running back Antoine Bagwell rushed for 14 yards in his NFL debut.
Those 14 yards came on four carries in the fourth quarter in Thursday’s 19-17 St. Louis Rams victory over Indianapolis in preseason action.
His first touch was a fumble recovery on a quarterback sack inside the Rams’ five yard line. Bagwell was a safety-valve receiver on the play but returned to the backfield to recover the loose ball and prevent the turnover.
The Rams’ second preseason game is Aug. 19 at home against Houston.
Cates leads CFL
Former California University of Pa. All-American running back Wesley Cates is continuing his strong all-around play, leading the Canadian Football League in special teams tackles for the Calgary Stampeders.
In seven games, Cates has contributed 67 all-purpose yards and leads the CFL in special teams tackles with 13.
Tennis
Cal earns third award
The California University women’s tennis team was honored by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association for academic success for the third-straight year.
Additionally, juniors Katie Anderson, Andra Preda, freshman Tracy Provins and senior Daniella Zevallos were named to the ITA Division II scholar-athlete list.
Cal was one of 37 NCAA Division II teams honored by the ITA for having a team grade-point average above 3.20. The four Vulcan players were among 164 Division II honored for posting an individual grade point average above 3.50.
Soccer
Boltnar named to USL All-Star team
California University graduate Tomas Boltnar was named to the PDL All-League team for the fourth time.
The USL announced its annual league awards, which saw Boltnar selected for his fourth all-league team award.
Boltnar is the leading scorer in Cal history with 62 goals, 56 assists and 180 points. He was a three-time first-team PSAC West all-star and a first-team NSCAA All-American in 1999.
Auto racing
Henry and Scott big winners at Motordrome
Lincoln Welders/Valley National Gases Inc. Night at Motordrome Speedway included the biggest event of the season for Modifieds on Friday.
Gary Scott won the Lincoln Welders 25 for his third victory of the season, while Bobby Henry started seventh and captured his fourth Napa NASCAR Super Late Model feature.
Tracy Keller claimed the Yellow Book Charger main event, and first wins of 2006 were notched by Adam Kostelnik in the Subway Street Stocks, and Larry Vance in the Advance Auto Parts American Flyers.
Benson wins NASCAR trucks race at Nashville
GLADEVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Johnny Benson took advantage of a dust up between race leaders Todd Bodine and Mike Skinner to win Craftsman Truck Series’ Toyota Tundra 200 Saturday at Nashville Superspeedway.
With Skinner leading on a green-white-checker restart, Bodine faked to the outside, dropped to the inside, then nudged Skinner up the track. When Skinner returned the favor on the white flag lap, the two tangled into the wall, allowing Benson to seize the lead and get his third win of the season.
“Anything goes,” Benson said. “When I saw those guys go down the front stretch I said all I needed to do was hit my line and I did.”
Jack Sprague was second, followed by Australian Marcos Ambrose, the highest finishing rookie. Ted Musgrave was fourth, giving him six top-5 finishes in as many starts at the Superspeedway. Brendan Gaughan rounded out the top five.