CSUN NOTEBOOK: PONCIANO ADJUSTING TO UNFAMILIAR ROLE.Byline: Marc J. Spears Daily News Staff Writer It is no secret that Ron Ponciano loves being the new head football coach at Cal State Northridge. But during the first day of spring practice Monday, the energetic former 14-year assistant learned it will take some time to get used to being in charge. ``I walked up to (assistant) Jeff (Kearin) and said, `You know what, this head coaching stuff is not what its cracked up to be.' I'm bored,'' said Ponciano, who was named CSUN's head coach on Jan. 30. ``I'm used to coaching and now I'm standing, watching, evaluating and writing notes. ``I have to switch gears because it is a different role for me to play. But it is one I will get better at.'' The Matadors will begin practicing in full pads Thursday and scrimmage on the practice field Saturday, since new grass was just put down on North Campus Stadium. Ponciano hopes the North Campus Stadium field will be ready for the last day of practice on April 2 so the Matadors can have a scrimmage under the lights. Last season, it was common to see players stroll around during usually relaxed practices under former coach Jim Fenwick. Under Ponciano, however, the Matadors will not walk between drills and seem to be more fired up. Junior defensive back Howard Henry said Ponciano has already changed the attitude of the team and brought more discipline and enthusiasm. ``(Ponciano's) aggressive demeanor The outward physical behavior and appearance of a person. Demeanor is not merely what someone says but the manner in which it is said. Factors that contribute to an individual's demeanor include tone of voice, facial expressions, gestures, and carriage. is what everyone likes,'' Henry said. ``He is a take-charge coach.'' Harvey dismissed: Ponciano said that junior running back Marcus Harvey Marcus Harvey (born 1963 in Leeds) is an English artist and painter, and one of the Young British Artists (YBAs). Exhibitions Harvey has shown work internationally in many exhibitions including ‘The Führer's Cakes’ at Galleria Marabini in Bologna, , who led CSUN CSUN California State University Northridge in rushing last season, has been dismissed from the team. Ponciano said that Harvey continually missed team meetings, conditioning and running and wouldn't conform to Verb 1. conform to - satisfy a condition or restriction; "Does this paper meet the requirements for the degree?" fit, meet coordinate - be co-ordinated; "These activities coordinate well" team policy. The Valley College transfer rushed for 422 yards and five touchdowns last season. But he was also in serious jeopardy jeopardy, in law, condition of a person charged with a crime and thus in danger of punishment. At common law a defendant could be exposed to jeopardy for the same offense only once; exposing a person twice is known as double jeopardy. of falling to third string because of two newcomers: Utah State transfer Melvin Blue, a third team All-Big West selection, and Mt. San Antonio College Mt. San Antonio College (commonly called Mt. SAC; pronounced as the word "sack") is a community college located in the Los Angeles suburb of Walnut, California, next to California State Polytechnic University, Pomona which is just over a hill. Mt. running back Jamaul Bradley. ``We gave him a chance and he just goofed up,'' said Ponciano, who has offered to help him transfer to a Division II school. Pacing toward World League: Former CSUN strong safety Franck Pace said he has been offered opportunities to play in the European League with the Paris Flash and the Khueln (Germany) Crocodiles. He expects to make a decision this week. Pace, a native of France, played in just the first two games last season before suffering a season-ending knee injury at Hawaii. He has a good chance of making a World League team because each squad can sign only a limited number of Americans. Etc. Offensive lineman Brian Hubinger, who missed most of last season with an unknown virus, will probably miss spring practice because of an enlarged spleen enlarged spleen Splenomegaly, see there . The redshirt red·shirt tr.v. red·shirt·ed, red·shirt·ing, red·shirts To keep (a college or school athlete) out of varsity competition for one year in order to extend the athlete's period of eligibility. freshman was not cleared to play by a physician Monday and saw a school doctor last week after experiencing pain in his chest. . . . Punter Punter 1. An trader who hopes to make quick profits. Basically, another term for speculator. 2. In the U.K., it is generally used to describe someone who gambles. It is also used to mean a client or customer of any business. Brian Walker is transferring to Cal State Bakersfield to play soccer. The junior from Bakersfield averaged 39.6 yards per punt last season. . . . Junior defensive back Steve Forte, who is eligible to practice, was given the spring off so he can concentrate on academics. |
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