FULLERTON COLLEGE

1997 RECORD: 5-5 overall, 3-3 in the division

COACH: Gene Murphy (24-25-2 at college)

RETURNING STARTERS: 5 on offense, 1 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Mike Arce, LB, 6-0, 225; Al Berganza, WR, 5-7, 160; Gary Bowers, OL, 6-3, 250; Steve Frembling, OL, 6-1, 320; David Hong, OL, 6-2, 290; Josh Loera, RB, 5-11, 230; Kevin Rodriguez, QB, 6-1, 200; Frankie Salazar, DB, 5-11, 178; Bryan Strobel, OL, 6-7, 338; Paul Wise, TE, 6-3, 230.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Greg Garand, QB, 6-2, 208; David Goodloe, DB, 5-11, 180; Derek Grimes, WR, 6-2, 170; Leon Kellum, DB, 5-11, 200; David Richards, DL, 6-5, 265.

OUTLOOK

Murphy needs two more victories to reach 100 in his college coaching career, which included stops at North Dakota where he won 15 games in two seasons and at Cal State Fullerton where he won 59 times in 13 seasons. Murphy, who is 98-121-3 in his career, has taken Fullerton to one bowl game in five seasons. Murphy said this might be his best recruiting class at Fullerton College, where he is starting his sixth season. Salazar (West Covina South Hills High) is in his third year in the program. He was a redshirt in 1996 and a reserve last season. Wise (Santa Fe Springs Santa Fe) broke his leg in the first week of practice two years ago, but Murphy said he has rebounded into one of the best tight ends in the Mission Conference. The offensive line, which allowed only 12 sacks last season, is the most experienced part of the team led by sophomores Bowers (Esperanza), Frembling (Western), Hong (Santa Fe Springs Santa Fe), and Strobel (Pacifica Terra Nova). The defense starts with Salazar, who was an honorable mention all-American last season.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 12 at Orange Coast; 19 at El Camino; 26 vs. Long Beach at CS Fullerton.

Oct. 3 at Cerritos; 10 vs. Pasadena at CS Fullerton; 24 vs. Santa Ana at CS Fullerton; 31 vs. Golden West at Orange Coast.

Nov. 7 at Saddleback; 14 vs. Riverside at CS Fullerton; 21 vs. Palomar at CS Fullerton.