Watson Isn’t Sure If Ventura Wants Him Back

Virgil Watson, Ventura College men’s basketball coach for two seasons, said Friday his teaching and coaching status for the 1997-98 school year is up in the air.

Watson is in his first school year as a full-time teacher at Ventura after being hired on an interim basis when former Coach Phil Mathews resigned in July, 1995, to take over the men’s program at the University of San Francisco.

The school must notify Watson by March 15 whether he’ll be retained. Watson admitted hearing rumors that he will not be rehired but declined further comment.

The Pirates (26-7) lost to Mt. San Antonio, 76-73, Wednesday in a Southern California Regional game. They won the state title last season under Watson.

Fighting back: Former world title contender Ruben Castillo (69-9-2, 37 KOs) will fight Rudy Zavala (24-6-2, 20 KOs) on March 20 in the main event of the monthly boxing card at the Reseda Country Club. Castillo is 0-4 in world championship bouts, including losses to boxing legends Alexis Arguello, Salvador Sanchez and Julio Cesar Chavez.

The card will also feature local favorites Jimmy Buffo and Effie Schneider. Information: (818) 881-2568 and 904-1320.

Charged up: Mike Sheppard, a graduate of Burroughs High and a former assistant football coach at Cal Lutheran, has been named offensive coordinator of the San Diego Chargers.