BURNLEY ACCEPTS SCHOLARSHIP TO OSU.

Byline: GERRY GITTELSON Community Sports

Former Valencia High football standout Charles Burnley has accepted an Oregon State scholarship after a year off from football to improve his academic standing. Burnley, a running back, begins classes at OSU this month.

Oregon State head coach Mike Riley sent Burnley a letter of congratulations.

``Our staff has determined you have the ability and possess all the intangibles necessary to be a successful student athlete at Oregon State University.'' Riley wrote.

``At this time, Oregon State would like to make the official scholarship offer to you. ... Your hard work and determination over the past year and recent qualification through the NCAA Clearinghouse make us extremely proud to have you as a member of the our institution and football program.''

Burnley's father, Charles Sr., a former standout player at San Fernando High, is equally proud.

``I'm very happy for my son. I think he's been very patient and he's learned a lot,'' he said.

--As far as I'm concerned, nobody makes more of a positive impact on a high school sports team than a girls' basketball coach. Fundamentals are critical, and a good coach can make all the difference.

And there aren't many better than Hart High's 15-year veteran Dave Munroe. This season, he's coached Hart (27-1) to 23 victories in a row - including 19 by at least 10 points - entering the Southern Section Div. IA semifinals against Ventura (26-1) at 7:30 tonight at Valencia High.

Ventura defeated Hart 57-53 in a tournament on Dec. 12 for Hart's only loss. Several Hart starters were ill that evening, and star guard Ashlee Trebilcock fouled out midway through the fourth quarter.

--The Hart girls' team did such a fine job of boxing out in its game Saturday that Don Lugo of Chino Hills had only three offensive rebounds. And Don Lugo had plenty of chances because the team missed a lot of shots considering Hart won 57-27.

--Valencia's baseball team is 16th in the nation in Baseball America's preseason rankings. The team had 29 hits and 20 runs in two scrimmage victories Saturday.

--Watch out for freshman Caitlin Stiglich, who's expected to make an impact for Hart's softball team this season.

Stiglich, a 5-foot-7 power hitter, has caught the eye of coach Cathy Giordano. And Giordano doesn't impress easily considering her daughter, Nicole, is a member of the U.S. Olympic team.

``Caitlin's a good hitter, and she's a good first baseman and a good catcher, too,'' Giordano said.

Hart's returning catcher is four-year veteran Briana Bernardi. But Bernardi is undergoing shoulder rehabilitation and might not be at full strength for the season-opening Hart Classic tournament Saturday.

--After a year away from baseball to work as a part-time movie stuntman, senior Nick Dashnaw has rejoined the Santa Clarita Christian High team.

He's the No. 1 starter entering the season opener against Pilgrim of Los Angeles at 3:30 p.m. Friday at Whitter Narrows Park in L.A.

``It's nice to have him back. Nick was actually my No. 1 pitcher as a sophomore two years ago, too,'' coach Garrick Moss said.

--Hart returning football standouts Joe Bernardi and Evan Surratt plan to participate in the annual invitation-only Southern California Nike scouting combine April 24 at San Diego State.

Bernardi, a 6-2, 250-pound center, is earned All-Southern Section (all divisions) this past season. Surratt, a 6-2, 180-pound All-Southern Section Div. II receiver, is the team's most productive returning skill player.

--Expect plenty of home runs from Saugus High baseball player Travis Babin this season.

Babin, a junior third baseman who is also the football team's starting quarterback, hit two in the first scrimmage of the season at Westlake High on Saturday.

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Former Valencia High running back Charles Burnley will play next season at Oregon State.

Tom Mendoza/Staff Photographer