PITCHING INSTRUCTOR IMPARTS WISDOM IN AREA.

Byline: GERRY GITTELSON Community Sports

Valencia resident Jim Wagner, a former prep pitching phenom at Providence High in Burbank who played college baseball at Arizona and Cal State Northridge, can't get baseball out of his blood.

After arm injuries shortened his college career, he won a USBL recreation league softball championship with a group of Radio-TV-Film majors at Cal State Northridge. That team included former high school standouts Joey Bloomfield (Granada Hills), Chris Bowen (Calabasas), Billy Ray (Birmingham of Lake Balboa) and Mark Handleman (Montclair Prep of Panorama City). After graduating, Wagner shelved careers in the entertainment industry and law enforcement to concentrate full time as a pitching instructor.

Wagner has worked with pitchers at every level - from 6-year-olds to high school pitchers at Hart, Canyon and Vasquez, to 2002 Cy Young Award winner Barry Zito.

``I'm glad I decided to do this full-time. I'm busy, and it's awesome,'' Wagner said.

--Former Valencia High softball standout Lauren Watson says she's having a blast as a sophomore catcher for Brigham Young University in Utah.

Her batting average is up to an all-time high of .388, and she was named Mountain West Conference Player of the Week this past week.

``I'm really happy. We've got new coaches this year and everything is just great,'' said Watson, who has always been among the most outgoing and friendliest local athletes I've met. ``I really love it up here.''

--Canyon High volleyball standout Mary Ruddick has committed to Utah State, picking the Aggies (full scholarship) over more than 30 colleges which she said had been recruiting her. She took four official visits.

Ruddick also plays club volleyball for SMBC, which is ranked among the top eight in Southern California. She's participating in the Southern California Volleyball Association Nationals in Davis on July 4.

``This is an exciting time for my daughter,'' said her mother, Laurie Ruddick. ``This is a dream come true that she has worked very hard for.''

--The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department is hosting a 3-on-3 basketball tournament Saturday at Santa Clarita Sports Complex. Teams range from 10-11 year-olds to 30-and-over. Information: [phone].

--Local wrestler Abdon Lozano advanced past the first round of the U.S. Amateur Championships at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., this past weekend. Lozano (152 pounds) defeated Tory Ferguson (Billings, Mont.) by disqualification in the third round.

--New Level Wrestling hosts a professional wrestling show Saturday night at the Plaza Banquet Facility. A six-man tag team is the main event. Presale tickets are available for $10 at Oak Tree Liquor on Bouquet Canyon Road, or $12 at the door. Children 12-under are free. Information: www.newlevelwrestling.com.

--The California State Pro-Am Arm Wrestling Championships come to Santa Clarita on April 12 at the Route 66 Classic Grill in Canyon Country. Organizer John Burgeson said he expects about 200 entries in various men's and women's divisions.

World champion John Brzenk is scheduled to make an appearance. He'll take on all comers, and whoever beats him wins $1,000.

Information: [phone].