WILD CARD ENTERS FOR SHRINE CLASSIC.

Byline: GERRY GITTELSON Community Sports

Dejon Negron, a talented but sometimes unpredictable receiver from Canyon High, has been added to the 54th annual Shrine Classic all-star football game, scheduled for 7 p.m. June 25 at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut.

Negron, who didn't play varsity football until his senior year because of academic problems, is among the Southland's most talented and exciting players. He caught 57 passes for 782 yards, scored six touchdowns - including a 98-yard kick return - and led Canyon with three interceptions as a safety.

However, since football season ended, Negron has changed his mind about playing basketball (he quit after one game), running track and participating in spring workouts for College of the Canyons' football team.

Negron didn't a return a phone call from the Daily News seeking confirmation about participating in the Shrine event. However, organizer Stephen Wurtzel said Negron is solid.

``I just spoke with Joe Goldwine, our managing director who is handling player personnel, and he informs me that (Negron) called him late last week and indicated that he would be playing in the game,'' Wurtzel said. ``At this point he is in.''

Negron is listed on the public-schools team roster on the Shrine Web site. Receivers Ryan Wolfe of Hart and Shane Morales of Valencia are also scheduled to participate.

Proceeds benefit the L.A. Shriners Hospital for Children.

-- Led by Chris Marlin, the Newhall-Valencia boys' 12-under soccer team placed first at the recent 14th annual Santa Clarita Valley Showdown tournament at Hart High.

Marlin scored nine goals over four games, Renato Sanchez and Zan Schinder added three goals, and Brady Stuart had two goals and two assists.

The team was co-coached by Joe Franco and Todd Schindler.

Newhall-Valencia also won the championship in the girls' 14-division. The coach was Jim Niner.

-- A club soccer tournament benefiting the College of the Canyons program is scheduled for May 21-22 at Canyons. The divisions are men's open, women's open and men's 30-over. Each team is guaranteed a minimum of three games. Information: [phone], Ext. 3544 or division1athlete(at)aol.com.

-- In more soccer news, the Santa Clarita United Soccer Club is conducting tryouts from 4-6 p.m. over the next two Fridays at Central Park (Field No. 1) in Saugus. Participants are requested to bring a soccer ball, water, cleats and shin guards. Information: [phone].

-- Former WBA Fedebol super bantamweight boxing champion Juan Ruiz Jr., a former Hart student who trains at the Santa Clarita Community Center, is on the comeback trail. Since losing his belt to Ruben Estanislao on a split decision in June, Ruiz (20-2, six knockouts) has won three in a row, including a unanimous eight-round decision over Baladan Trevizo of Arizona on April 28 in Woodland Hills.

``The City and the Center are extremely proud of Juan,'' said Hope Horner, the center's supervisor. ``He is an outstanding professional athlete who has put Santa Clarita on the map within the boxing world the same way Kyle Boller has with football.

-- And finally, will Saugus athletic director Kevin Miner make a comeback at the annual alumni baseball game at 11 a.m. Saturday? He didn't participate last year after hitting a home run in the previous three alumni games.