Bronkey Qualifies for PGA Event at Riviera

Tam Bronkey of Santa Ana qualified for the Nissan Open after shooting par 71 on the Zaharias Course at Industry Hills Monday in a Southern California PGA qualifier. Bronkey made a birdie on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff to earn a spot in this week’s PGA tournament at Riviera in Los Angeles.

Brad Benkey of Ventura shot 68 to win the qualifier. Mike Bielsik of Fountain Valley also shot 71 but lost in the five-way playoff.

LUNCHEON

J.K. McKay, general manager of the Los Angeles Xtreme of the XFL, will be the featured speaker at the Sports Newsmakers Luncheon today at the Arrowhead Pond.

Coaching staffs for the Orange County North-South prep all-star football game will be announced.

The event, which is open to the public, begins at noon. Cost is $20 at the door. For information, call (714) 758-0222.

BASKETBALL

Five county men’s teams begin play in the state community college playoffs this weekend.

On Friday, Orange Coast (16-13) plays at San Diego City (13-10), Irvine Valley (16-15) is at Santa Maria Hancock (20-12) and Palomar of San Marcos (16-13) is at Fullerton (21-10).

On Saturday, Cypress (13-17) plays at Ventura (22-8) and Saddleback (29-2) hosts Mt. San Antonio (12-17).

Game times are pending.

Winners advance to the second round Feb. 28.

SOCCER

Don Ebert has been hired as Concordia’s soccer coordinator, Athletic Director Curt Cattau said.

Ebert, who has been director of coaching for the Irvine Strikers club since 1990, is expected to coach the men’s team. Kevin Macare intends to return for a fourth season as the women’s coach.

Ebert played on Southern Illinois’ 1979 national championship team and was named NCAA player of the year. He went on to captain the 1980 men’s Olympic soccer team. Later, he spent seven seasons as a player in the North American Soccer League and the Major Indoor Soccer League.